Texas measles: 6 people with symptoms in Williamson County, DSHS says

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article stated that data showed six confirmed measles cases in Williamson County. The article has been updated to reflect clarification provided by the state health department.

At least six people in Williamson County have shown measles symptoms, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Based on the DSHS data, those six cases do not appear to be linked to the widespread measles outbreak in West Texas, which began in late January and is now up to 738 cases as of May 30.

As of Friday afternoon, the county has only released details about two confirmed cases. In a statement, a county spokesperson said the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) is only reporting “lab-confirmed positive measles at this time.”

“Other cases may be reported as related or positive by DSHS using criteria other than a lab-confirmed test. WCCHD has no other information to share on the two positive lab-confirmed or any other measles cases at this time,” the spokesperson said.

DSHS clarified how it came up with six cases, saying there are four people who had measles symptoms “who are associated with the initial two cases” in Williamson County.

“Because of their symptoms and their exposure to people with confirmed measles, we [the DSHS] consider them to be cases, but … Williamson County is counting people with a confirmed lab test at this point,” the DSHS spokesperson said. “Fortunately, there’s not a concern about public exposures to other people.”

On May 22, officials announced Williamson County’s first measles case of 2025, in a Leander child who attends Bar W. Elementary School in Liberty Hill. Local health officials said they didn’t know the child’s vaccination status because the family chose not to share those details.

Because the vaccination status was unclear, health officials were limited in their ability to fully assess potential exposure risks or the source of the infection. However, they said the child had been contagious since May 15 and might continue to be contagious through May 24.

On May 27, the county confirmed a second measles case, in an unvaccinated adult from Leander. Health officials said that person was no longer in their infectious period and that they were not present in the Williamson County area while they were contagious.

DSHS data shows Hays County with one reported measles case and Travis County with two reported cases. None of those cases have been linked to the West Texas outbreak.

Dr. Goddy Corpuz with Baylor Scott & White Clinic in Cedar Park told KVUE they have been getting more calls from people inquiring about measles and verifying if their children are vaccinated or not.

Corpuz said for those who have incomplete or missing immunizations, they encourage families to schedule appointments and receive the recommended vaccinations including MMR to protect against measles.

“We’re expecting more cases. But, … our focus is on staying alert and making sure everyone’s protected,” Dr. Corpuz said. “And, if you haven’t gotten vaccinated, please get vaccinated.”

Some symptoms you should look out for include fever, diarrhea, cough, red eyes and body aches. Those most at risk are people who are immunocompromised. 

“We’re talking about, the elderly, the pregnant women and of course the younger kids, particularly the infants, those who are six months and younger who have not received, or cannot receive, the vaccine just yet,” Corpuz said. 

As people travel this summer, Dr. Corpuz encourages families to get vaccinated if needed at least two weeks prior to intended travel.