A measles outbreak in western Texas is growing, with 20 additional cases confirmed, bringing the total to 279 cases. The majority of cases are among children and teens under the age of 17, according to state data.
Unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status account for almost all cases, with just two reported among fully vaccinated individuals. At least 36 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
Children aged 5-17 make up the majority of cases, followed by children under the age of 5, which accounts for 88 cases. Health officials warn that additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and surrounding communities due to the highly contagious nature of the disease.
The number of measles cases in Texas is nearing the national total for last year, with over 285 cases nationwide reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Two deaths have been reported so far this year, including one in Texas where the child did not have any underlying conditions.
A possible second death has been linked to an unvaccinated New Mexico resident who tested positive for measles after passing away. The CDC has confirmed 301 measles cases across at least 14 states, with many cases in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/texas-measles-outbreak-grows-279-cases/story?id=119905598