Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma today reported more measles cases in a large outbreak centered in West Texas, as other states reported new illnesses as well, some with known links to international travel.
Late last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it has received reports of 483 measles cases, most of which are part of ongoing outbreaks that also include Kansas and Ohio. Alongside more outbreak cases, other states are reporting more travel-related cases, part of a global rise in cases.
The new cases push the national total past 500, as the nation experiences the worst outbreak since 2019, when a surge in infections threatened the nation's measles elimination status.
More cases in Texas-centered outbreak
The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 22 more outbreak-related cases, raising its total to 422 since the end of January. So far, 42 patients have been hospitalized, and 1 death was reported earlier in a child. Of the total, 417 were unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.
Two more of the state's counties reported cases, raising the total to 19, though two-thirds are from Gaines County on the border with New Mexico.
New Mexico reported 4 more cases, raising its total to 48. Most (43) were unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination statuses. Cases remain limited to two of the state's counties, all but 2 of them in Lea County, which borders Gaines County, the main hot spot in Texas. Two New Mexico residents have been hospitalized, and measles is suspected as the cause of death in one of the patients.
Recent cases in Oklahoma have been linked to the Texas outbreak, as well, and today the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 1 more case, raising it total to 10, which include 8 confirmed and 2 listed as probable. All 10 patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
Alerts from Colorado, Pennsylvania, Ohio
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and its partners in Pueblo County yesterday announced a measles infection in an unvaccinated adult who had recently visited a part of Mexico that is experiencing an outbreak. The CDPHE warned of potential exposures at a café and a medical clinic.
In Pennsylvania, the Erie County Department of Health on March 30 announced that it is investigating a measles infection in an Erie County child. Officials said exposures may have occurred at a childcare center, a fitness center, and a clinic. The report did not say how the child was exposed.
Meanwhile, Ohio's Knox County Public Health reported two more measles cases, both involving people who had recently traveled internationally. The county reported a similar case last week.
