Montgomery Co. Measles: Local Transmission Confirmed

CONROE, Texas – Montgomery County Public Health officials have confirmed a second case of measles, signaling that the highly contagious virus is now spreading locally within the community. The development has prompted health authorities to issue urgent warnings to residents who may have crossed paths with the infected individuals at popular local businesses and medical facilities.

The initial case, reported earlier this month, involved an unvaccinated child who contracted the virus during international travel. Following that diagnosis, officials confirmed on Tuesday, October 24, that a second patient—an unvaccinated adult—has contracted the illness, marking a case of community transmission.

Public health investigators are now working to contain the spread by alerting the public to specific exposure windows. Residents who were at the following locations during these times are urged to monitor themselves for symptoms:

For the first case: HEB in Willis, 12701 FM 1097, on Tuesday, October 10, between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM. HEB in Montgomery, 22806 TX-105, on Wednesday, October 11, between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM. Montgomery County Public Health Clinic, 1010 Conroe Park North Dr, Conroe, on Thursday, October 12, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM.

For the second case: Kroger in Conroe, 2200 N Frazier St, on Wednesday, October 18, between 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM. ER at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe, 504 Medical Center Blvd, on Thursday, October 19, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. America’s ER & Urgent Care, 1500 N Frazier St, Conroe, on Friday, October 20, between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM.

Measles is characterized by an incubation period of 7 to 21 days, meaning anyone exposed during these timeframes could potentially develop symptoms within that three-week window. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles remains one of the most contagious human viruses, capable of remaining suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room.

Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A distinctive red rash usually follows a few days later, typically starting on the face and spreading downward.

Dr. John Smith, a local infectious disease specialist not affiliated with the investigation, noted that the return of measles highlights the fragility of herd immunity. While the U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000, that status relies heavily on maintaining vaccination rates above 95 percent to prevent outbreaks. When pockets of the population remain unvaccinated, the virus can quickly find a foothold once introduced from abroad.

Health officials are stressing that vaccination is the most effective defense. They are strongly advising residents to check their immunization records and ensure they have received the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

If you suspect you have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms, do not walk into a clinic or hospital waiting room immediately. Medical professionals are asking patients to call their healthcare provider in advance. This allows the facility to implement isolation protocols, protecting staff and other patients from accidental exposure.

For further information on measles symptoms or to find a location to receive a vaccine, residents can visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website at dshs.texas.gov or consult the CDC’s official measles resource page at cdc.gov/measles.