The measles outbreak has reached an astonishing number, case tally expected to rise with time.
As reported by CNN, as of Friday, March 7, 2025, almost 230 measles cases have been identified in West Texas and a county in New Mexico.
Related: Measles: Symptoms, spread, treatment, and vaccine
Being more contagious than Covid-19, measles is keeping the health experts in both the state on edge as numbers are expected to increase.
In Texas, 23 patients have been hospitalised, with 64 cases are of people younger than four, and 89 from the age of five to 17.
The cases have been identified in nine counties, but the majority, 137, are in Gaines County, where the outbreak was first identified.
In New Mexico, on Thursday, March 6, 2025 an un-vaccinated person, who tested positive for measles passed away, but authorities are still investigating the cause of death.
CDC issued a Health Alert Network advisory to inform providers about the measles epidemic and promote vaccination.
It read, "Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination remains the most important tool for preventing measles. To prevent measles infection and spread from imported cases, all US resident should be up to date on their MMR vaccination, especially before travelling internationally, regardless of the destination."
Health experts recommend the children older than 12 months, who have received one dose of MMR, should get their second vaccination 28 days after their first.
Adults with no immunity are also encouraged to get a vaccine, and seniors born between 1957 and 1968, who received an older MMR vaccine should also get the latest medication.
Related: US CDC reacts to ongoing measles outbreak in Texas
Measles is an airborne disease that can cause serious health alerts or death, especially among young children.
Notably, the disease can be prevented with vaccination as one dose of the vaccine is around 93% effective, while two doses are 97% effective.
