Measles outbreak worsens in Texas, New Mexico
Texas and New Mexico health departments said on Friday that the number of measles cases in their states rose 20 percent since their last reports three days ago, as experts warn they expect the outbreak to further spread in coming weeks.
Texas now has 400 cases, the Texas Department of State Health Services said, 270 of which were in Gaines County, where the current measles outbreak started.
Texas has reported two deaths from measles since this outbreak began.
New Mexico reported one additional case, bringing its total count to 44.
Kansas and Oklahoma have also linked local outbreaks to the Texas cases.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whose data is one day behind the Texas and New Mexico report, said there were a total of 483 confirmed measles cases as of March 27, a jump of 105 from a week earlier.
More infections seen
Infectious disease experts said the magnitude of the outbreak’s acceleration was uncertain, but it was clear that more cases would emerge.
The number of US measles cases so far this year has already exceeded those reported for all of 2024.
Dr. Sapna Singh, chief medical officer for Texas Children’s Pediatrics, warned that holiday gatherings and travel could seed more infections.
