On Tuesday, the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) reported that the number of measles cases grew to 624 in the ongoing outbreak, marking an increase of 27 since April 18. Less than two, or fewer than 10 of the confirmed cases, are estimated to be actively infectious since their rash onset date was less than a week ago. Most of the cases are in children. Sixty-four people have been hospitalized over the course of the outbreak.  

Two fatalities in school-aged children who lived in the outbreak area have occurred. The children were not vaccinated and had no known underlying conditions.

The most recent TDSHS data showed outbreak counties with ongoing measles transmission include Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum. TDSHS also reported another 25 cases of measles in the state that may or may not be linked to the initial outbreak. In total, 32 Texas counties have reported measles cases this year.

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) also reported that the state’s case count for measles has risen to 65 as of April 22. While most cases remain in Lea County, the outbreak spread to Eddy, Chaves, and Doña Ana Counties Currently, six residents are hospitalized. NMDOH recorded the death of one unvaccinated Lea County resident on March 6, the second in the outbreak.

The number of adults and children getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine continues to rise in New Mexico. Between Feb. 1 and April 14, 18,449 vaccinations were given, compared to 9,863 during the same time last year.

As of April 11, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported that measles cases grew to 37 in eight counties in the state’s southwest corner. Kansas reported its first measles case on March 13, which is linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks based on genetic testing.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of April 17, at least 24 states have reported 800 confirmed measles cases this year. (CDC is aware of probable measles cases still being reported, and the case count is higher.)

Last year was the hottest year on record, breaking the previous record hit in 2023, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

 Last year became the first on record with a global average temperature exceeding 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level. Ocean temperatures were also exceptionally high last year, influenced by the residual effects of the strong El Niño that peaked in late 2023 and higher-than-average or record-high temperatures in most ocean basins.

“Every additional fraction of a degree of temperature rise matters because it accentuates the risks to our lives, to economies, and to the planet […] We are making progress but need to go further and need to go faster, and we need to go together,” said Celeste Saulo, secretary-general WMO.

While heat-related mortality estimates for 2024 are not yet available, recent data show that 47,700 deaths in 2023 and 61,700 in 2022 were attributed to heat, according to World Health Organization data. Check out this article for more information on heat stress and how it is measured.