The Texas Department of State Health Services issued a measles alert after more than a dozen cases were reported throughout the state.

As of Aug. 16, one case of measles had been reported in Harris County. Dallas and Denton counties have each reported two cases of measles, and nine cases have been reported in Tarrant County. There were no cases of measles in Texas in 2012.

Measles is a very contagious respiratory viral disease. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and rash all over the body. It is airborne, spread by breathing, coughing, and sneezing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is so contagious that children who are exposed to measles and not vaccinated against it will likely become infected.

HISD’s Health and Medical Services Department is encouraging parents to get their children’s required immunizations administered as soon as possible.

“As a primary method of protection against vaccine-preventable disease, immunization compliance is of prime importance in HISD,” said Gwendolyn Johnson, manager of HISD Health and Medical Services.

There are several locations where students can get their required immunizations for free before school begins. Find a location here.