A measles outbreak in West Texas has spread to neighboring states, with the number of confirmed cases rising by 18 since last week. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there have been 327 identified cases since late January.
Most people infected are unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown. So far, 40 patients have been hospitalized, and one child has died from the infection. The outbreak is centered in Gaines County, with 226 cases reported, and has affected 15 counties in Texas.
New Mexico has also seen an increase in measles cases, with a total of 43 confirmed cases, including one additional case reported today. Oklahoma has linked nine cases to the West Texas outbreak, with seven confirmed and two probable cases.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently reported that measles cases have risen by 5.5-fold in the Americas region compared to the same period last year. The US is reporting the highest number of cases, with over 300 confirmed as of March 15, followed by Canada, Mexico, and Argentina.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/texas-measles-outbreak-grows-officials-warn-rising-activity-north-america