GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas—The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) is urging residents to take precautions against measles as cases continue to rise across the region, especially among unvaccinated individuals. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious complications, particularly in young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.

Understanding Measles and Its Symptoms

Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure and include:

• High fever (101°F or higher)
• Cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes
• A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
• Small white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)

Measles can lead to severe health complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Protect Yourself and Your Family with the MMR Vaccine

The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective, and recommended for:

• Children: Two doses – the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years old. However, the second dose may be given as early as 4 weeks after the first dose, regardless of age.
• Adults: Anyone who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine or has not had measles.

GCHD Immunizations Clinic Is Here to Help

If you're unsure about your measles vaccination status, try to find your records. Your medical provider or the GCHD Immunization clinic may be able to help.  If you can't locate them, getting another dose of the MMR vaccine is usually safe unless you're pregnant, severely immunocompromised, or have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose. Your healthcare provider can also perform a titer test to check immunity, but this is usually not needed if you're already fully vaccinated. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. We encourage all residents to check their vaccination status and if needed, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.  The GCHD Immunizations Clinic offers MMR vaccines to protect against measles and other preventable diseases through the Texas Vaccines for Children program, Adult Safety Net, self-pay, and accepts limited BCBS insurance.

Location: GCHD Immunizations Clinic, 9850-B Emmett F Lowry Expressway, Suite B-104, Texas City, TX 77591

Phone: 409-949-3459

Website: www.gchd.org/imm

Coastal Health & Wellness

Coastal Health & Wellness (CHW) is Galveston County’s Community Health Center, with clinics in Texas City and Galveston.  CHW welcomes Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance. No insurance necessary. Same-day appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, contact Coastal Health & Wellness.

Phone: 409-938-2234

Website: https://www.coastalhw.org/patient-information/becoming-a-patient

UTMB

UTMB clinics, urgent care locations and hospitals across the county can provide vaccines, testing and specialty care, if needed. To schedule an appointment, contact the UTMB Access Center.

Phone: 409-772-2222

Website: www.utmbhealth.com/access-center  

What to Do If You Suspect Measles

If you or a loved one experience symptoms of measles, especially after traveling abroad or coming into contact with a known case, take the following steps:

1. Stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent further spread.
2. Call your healthcare provider immediately to report symptoms before visiting a clinic or hospital.
3. Follow infection control guidelines to protect others, including wearing a mask if seeking medical care.

Stay Informed, Stay Protected

Measles is preventable through vaccination. GCHD remains committed to protecting the health and safety of our community. For the latest updates on measles cases and vaccination information, visit www.gchd.org/imm, or call 409-949-3459.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH:

Texas' first academic health center opened its doors in 1891 and today has four campuses, five health sciences schools, six institutes for advanced study, a research enterprise that includes one of only two national laboratories dedicated to the safe study of infectious threats to human health, a Level 1 Trauma Center and a health system offering a full range of primary and specialized medical services throughout the Texas Gulf Coast region. UTMB is an institution in the University of Texas System and a member of the Texas Medical Center.