About one in five unvaccinated people with measles in the U.S. will be hospitalized, according to data from Children’s Health, a Texas pediatric health care system. Ericka Brown with Harris County Public Health said in a news release the respiratory disease is highly contagious and is easily preventable through vaccination.

“Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus, which spreads through coughing and sneezing," Brown said. "This is a great reminder about the importance of keeping children up to date with vaccines.”

Symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and a sore throat that is followed by a rash breakout three to five days after symptoms begin, according to HCPH.

What’s happening?

HCPH and Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones announced on April 7, a community-wide initiative to offer free measles vaccines for children and adults at two Gulfton-area community centers.

• First dose: ages 12 through 15 months
• Second dose: ages four through six years

Mobile health units will be at Burnett Bayland Community Center and Bayland Community Center throughout April for vaccinations.

• April 9, 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet St., Houston
• April 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Burnett Bayland Community Center, 6026 Chimney Rock Road, Houston

What residents should know

Residents are encouraged to schedule appointments by calling 832-927-7350. The last confirmed measles case was reported in unincorporated Harris County in 2019, according to HCPH. As of April 1, 422 measles cases were reported in Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.