The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) today reported 27 more measles cases, pushing the number of cases in a large outbreak in West Texas to 624, as neighboring states also reported more related illnesses.
The steady rise in cases puts the nation on track for the worst year since 2019, fueled by 10 outbreaks and rising numbers of travel-linked cases, part of a global surge in measles activity.
Along with Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma add more cases
Most of the new cases in Texas were reported from Gaines County, which has been the epicenter. However, 26 of the state’s counties have reported cases, with Bailey County as the latest added to the list.
Of the state’s cases, 602 were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. So far, 64 people have been hospitalized, and the number of deaths remains at two.
In New Mexico, which has reported related cases in a few bordering counties, the health department today reported 2 more cases, putting the state’s total at 65. Four of New Mexico’s counties have reported cases, but most are from Lea County.
Oklahoma has also reported a few cases linked to the Texas outbreak, and today the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported one more confirmed case, bringing its total to 13, which included 10 confirmed and 3 probable cases. All were unvaccinated.
The state’s most recent exposures were at a mall in Norman and at a town hall in Slaughterville.
Meanwhile, Kansas health officials are battling an outbreak in the southwestern part of the state that has been genetically linked to the event in Texas. So far, 37 cases have been reported from eight counties, which officials today said is probably the tip of the iceberg.
At a media briefing today, streamed live on KSN TV, the state’s governor Laura Kelly, lawmakers, and health officials urged resident to be alert for symptoms and for parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated. Kelley said, “Today I’m asking Kansas families to do what they have always done: protect our kids.”
More cases in other states, some linked to international travel
In other developments, states reported a few more cases, according to local media reports.
Minnesota reported its second case of the year, which involves an infant diagnosed in another country who was too young to be vaccinated, Fox 9 News reported, citing a Minnesota Department of Health spokesperson.
In Arkansas, officials reported the state’s third case, which involves an unvaccinated child from Saline County whose exposure to the virus is still under investigation, ABC 7 News reported.
Also, Louisiana reported its second case in the greater New Orleans area who, like the first, was unvaccinated and had recently traveled abroad, WAFB News reported, citing the state’s Surgeon General.
