In response to an outbreak of measles among unvaccinated residents in Montgomery County, the Texas Department of State and Health Services (DSHS) has issued a health alert advising physicians on how to respond if they encounter the disease.
Four unvaccinated members of the same family tested positive for measles the week of July 28 after being exposed to an infected person who traveled to Texas from out of state, DSHS reports in the alert.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is on pace for its highest annual total of measles cases in 35 years. As of July 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 2,371 measles cases nationwide in 2026, already surpassing last year’s total.
CDC data rank Texas third among states in confirmed cases, with 190 reported infections this year. Most cases have occurred among people who did not receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or whose vaccination status was unknown.
Because measles is highly contagious, DSHS says additional cases could occur among unvaccinated people in the Montgomery County area. The agency urges physicians and other health care professionals to watch for symptoms and to alert their local health department or DSHS regional office immediately if they suspect an infection, preferably while the patient is still in the clinician’s office.
The Texas Medical Association reiterates guidance DSHS shared in correspondence with Texas Medicine Today, that the MMR vaccine remains the best protection against the disease, especially as children head back to school.
The DSHS health alert features information on immunizations needed for school entry, where patients can receive vaccinations, and general guidelines for infected students.
For more information, see the CDC’s clinician resources on measles, its webpage on measles vaccinations, and the DSHS measles resource page.
Last Updated On
August 03, 2026
Originally Published On
August 03, 2026
Alisa Pierce
Reporter, Division of Communications and Marketing
(512) 370-1469