The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported a total of 422 measles cases in the state as of Tuesday, marking an increase from 400 cases recorded just days earlier on March 28.
This surge comes as the United States experiences one of its most significant measles outbreaks in the last 10 years.
Gaines County remains at the epicenter of the outbreak. According to the health department, cases confirmed in the county have risen to 280, up from the 270 cases reported last Friday.
The outbreak began in late January and has been continuing amidst public health alerts and immunization campaigns.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Mexico, the national health department has reported four new cases of measles since March 28, bringing the total to 48 cases in the state.
The majority of New Mexico’s cases have been in Lea County, which shares a border with Texas’ Gaines County—fueling fears of cross-border transmission.
Health officials are also urging residents in the affected areas to ensure they are strongly vaccinated against the highly contagious disease, especially children and close-contact individuals.
