Texas Measles Outbreak Reaches 624 Cases, Spreading to Other States

The measles outbreak in Texas has escalated to 624 confirmed cases, marking the state's worst outbreak in 30 years and resulting in two deaths among unvaccinated school-aged children. Most cases have occurred in West Texas, particularly Gaines County, and nearly all infections are among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Sixty-four people have been hospitalized since the outbreak began in January. The outbreak has also spread to neighboring states like New Mexico and Oklahoma, with additional cases reported in several other states, raising the national total to over 800. Health officials warn that if the current rate of infections continues, the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status, which it has held for 25 years. The CDC and health experts emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and its serious complications.