Texas Measles Outbreak Grows to 561 Cases, 20 New Infections, 58 Hospitalized

The measles outbreak in western Texas has escalated to 561 confirmed cases, marking an increase of 20 new cases over the last five days, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The majority of the cases are concentrated in the South Plains and Panhandle regions, with the highest number reported in Gaines County. The outbreak has affected 10 counties in total, with Lubbock reporting 41 cases. Most of the cases are among individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. However, there have been seven cases among those fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine and four among those who received only one dose. The outbreak has led to the hospitalization of 58 people, and tragically, two unvaccinated school-aged children have died from complications related to measles.