Texas DSHS issues health alert after 4 measles cases reported in Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- After four measles cases were reported in Montgomery County last week, the Texas Department of State Health Services has issued a health alert, according to a release from health officials.

Last week, Montgomery County health officials reported there were four confirmed cases in a family. Officials said the family was initially exposed to a confirmed case who traveled from out of state, and none had been vaccinated.

One of the patients, a woman between 20 and 30 years old, was hospitalized, but her condition was not immediately known.

The DSHS states it is encouraging healthcare professionals and the public to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of measles and to take steps to make sure they are protected from it.

"Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or simply being near someone infected. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, making it easy to contract in shared spaces," DSHS wrote.