The measles outbreak in western Texas continues to grow, with 24 new cases confirmed in the last five days, according to the data published on Tuesday.
Almost all cases are in non -vaccinated individuals or in individuals whose vaccination status is unknown, according to the Health Services of the Texas State Department (DSHS).
Three of the 505 cases are among the residents who have been vaccinated with a dose of the measles vaccine, paper, rubella (MMR). Seven cases are among those vaccinated with two doses.
At least 57 measles patients have been hospitalized so far, said DSHS.
Children and adolescents between 5 and 17 constitute most cases, followed by children 4 years or less.
Gaines County, which limits with New Mexico, remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 328 cases confirmed so far, according to the DSHS data.
The signals indicate the way to measles tests in the parking lot of the Seminole hospital district in front of the Wigwam stadium, on February 27, 2025 in Seminole, Texas.
Jan Sonnenmair/Getty images, file
There have been two confirmed deaths linked to the outbreak, which occurred in non -vaccinated school -age children.
“Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases occur in the surrounding area and the surrounding communities. DSHS is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak,” said the Department of Health.
The Indiana Department of Health Recently reported The first laboratory confirmed the measles case in the state this year.
In addition, the Denver Public Health Department & Environment and the Department of Public Health of Colorado & Atmosphere confirmed The second case in the state on Monday, a baby in Denver who was too young to be vaccinated.
Until Friday, the centers for disease control and prevention have so far confirmed 483 measles cases in at least 19 states: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Washington.
This is likely to be lower content due to delays in states that report cases to the Federal Health Agency.
Among the cases confirmed nationally by CDCs, approximately 97% are in people who are not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Of these cases, 1% are among those who have received only one dose of the inoculation of MMR and 2% are among those who received the two required doses, according to the CDC.
CDC currently recommended That people receive two doses of vaccine, the first at the ages of 12 to 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years. A dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective, says CDC. Most vaccinated adults do not need reinforcement.
Measles were declared eliminated from the USA in 2000 due to the highly effective vaccination program, according to CDC. However, CDC data shows that vaccination rates have been lagging behind in recent years.
