Texas measles outbreak swells to 561 cases, CDC sends more help

Measles cases person continued to surge successful Texas since the outbreak archetypal began successful precocious January.

State wellness officials reported 561 confirmed cases crossed 23 counties connected Tuesday, an summation of 20 from April 11. 

Cases successful Gaines County, the halfway of the outbreak successful west Texas, jumped from 355 to 364, according to Reuters, citing the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The region present accounts for astir 65% of the state’s full cases, according to wellness officials.

Measles cases successful Texas person surged to 561.

Dr. David Sugerman of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave an update connected America’s response to the measles outbreak connected Tuesday, according to Reuters. He said the CDC had already deployed 15 unit to Texas from March 4 done April 1 and that the bureau planned to nonstop a 2nd squad connected Tuesday, the outlet reported.

However, Sugerman said a effect to the outbreak has been hindered by the cancelation of national grants to states, according to Reuters.

"We are scraping to find the resources and unit needed to supply enactment to Texas and different jurisdictions," Sugerman said.

SECOND CHILD WITH MEASLES HAS DIED IN TEXAS, OFFICIALS SAY

A teenager's limb covered successful a measles rash. (iStock)

A section public health authoritative besides said to Reuters that the outbreak could past a year. 

Dr. Katherine Wells, manager of Lubbock Public Health, told Reuters that if the outbreak continues to dispersed past Jan. 20, 2026, the U.S. could beryllium astatine hazard of losing its measles elimination status. The U.S. was declared escaped of endemic measles transmission successful 2000.

Texas wellness officials said lone 4%, less than 25 of the confirmed cases, are estimated to beryllium "actively infectious." Individuals are apt infectious 4 days anterior to and aft rash onset. 

The CDC volition nonstop much unit to Texas to assistance combat the state's measles outbreak. (REUTERS/Tami Chappell/File Photo)

Since the outbreak began, 58 of the state’s full patients person been hospitalized. 

Currently, children nether the property of 18 marque up the largest demographic of those infected with measles, accounting for 381 of the 561 cases.

Two fatalities person been recorded among school-aged children. The children were not vaccinated and had nary underlying conditions. 

Since January, 7 cases person been reported successful those who were considered afloat vaccinated and 4 cases successful those who lone had 1 vaccine dose, wellness officials reported.

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The different 550 cases were reported successful radical who were either not vaccinated oregon their vaccination presumption is unknown.

Reuters contributed to this report.