The number of measles cases associated with an outbreak in western Texas has grown to 309, with 30 cases reported in the last three days, according to New data Launched on Friday.
This means that the total number of cases of Texas linked to the outbreak in approximately two months has exceeded the confirmed number for the totality of last year in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Almost all cases are in non -vaccinated individuals or in individuals whose vaccination status is unknown. At least 40 people have been hospitalized so far, according to the Texas State Health Services Department (DSHS).
There have only been two cases in people fully vaccinated with the measles vaccine, papers and rubella (MMR).
Children and adolescents between 5 and 17 years represent most cases, at age 130, followed by 4 -year -old children and under 102 cases.
An outside a clinic with the Public Health District of South Plains is observed on February 23, 2025, in Brownfield, Texas.
Julio Cortez/AP, File
There have been two deaths in the United States linked to measles this year, with one confirmed and another under investigation.
Confirmed death was a child not vaccinated in school age in Texas. The child did not have any known underlying conditionAccording to DSHS.
Death was the first death of measles in the United States registered in a decade, according to CDC data.
A possible measles death was recorded after a non -vaccinated resident of New Mexico tested positive for the virus after his death. The New Mexico Health Department (NMDOH) said the official cause of death is still under investigation.
New Mexico has reported a Total of 42 measles cases So far this year, according to the NMDOH. Many of the cases have been confirmed in Lea County, which limits with western Texas. Four of New Mexico’s cases occurred in people vaccinated with at least one dose of MMR, while 30 cases were informed in unvaccinated individuals, according to the NMDOH. Eight of the cases presented in people whose vaccination status is unknown.
Health officials suspect that there may be a connection between the cases of Texas and New Mexico, but a link has not been confirmed.
The CDC has Confirmed 301 measles cases In at least 14 states so far this year, including Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont and Washington. This is likely to be lower content due to delays in states that report cases to the Federal Health Agency.
Most of the cases confirmed nationwide are found in unaccoured people or whose vaccination status is unknown, said the CDC. Of these cases, 3% are among those who received only one dose of the inoculation of MMR and 2% are among those who received the two required doses, according to the CDCs.
A vial of the measles vaccine, papers and rubella is exhibited in the Lubbock Department of Health, on February 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas.
Mary Conlon/AP
The CDC recommended That people receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first to the ages of 12 to 15 months and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.
A dose is 93% effective and two doses are 97% effective to prevent measles, according to CDC. Most vaccinated adults do not need a reinforcement, according to the health agency.
Before growth measles outbreak, the CDC issued a alert On March 7, saying that parents in the outbreak should consider getting their children their first MMR vaccine between the ages of 6 and 11 months, followed by the scheduled doses previously recommended to 12-15 months and then at 4-6 years, for a total of three vaccines. Texas health officials have also recommended early vaccination for babies living in outbreak areas.
ABC News’ Youri Benadjaoud and Sony Salzman contributed to this report.
