The US has hit 800 measles cases across 24 states, with Texas the epicenter of the outbreak, the CDC said Friday.
A rash of West Texas cases that started nearly three months ago now accounts for 597 of the total count, having also already claimed the lives of two unvaccinated elementary school children.
The surge marks an increase of 36 cases in Texas since April 15, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) said Friday.
And 371 cases have been reported in Gaines County, where the outbreak sprouted, according to the state Department of State Health Services.
An unvaccinated adult in New Mexico has also died of a measles-related illness, according to health officials.
Other states with active outbreaks — defined as places with three or more cases — include Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Mexico.
Cases of the virus have also been identified in 24 states overall.
The surge in case counts is nearly triple the total number reported in 2024, when the US recorded 285 cases.
Nearly all of the infected — 96% — are unvaccinated, according to CDC data.
The majority of those infected are also under the age of five, with 31% of cases and 19% of hospitalizations occurring in the age range.
Health officials in Texas are raising alarm bells that the virus is expected to continue running rampant.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases making it especially hard to contain, and outbreaks can have multiple peaks.
Many people spread the virus unknowingly for days before the telltale rash appears. It can also hang in the air for up to two hours after a sick person has left a room.
with Post wires