Texas Measles Cases Grow to Over 600

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.)