In an update on Tuesday, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported 729 confirmed cases of measles in the West Texas outbreak.
Based on the most recent data, DSHS has identified designated outbreak counties with ongoing measles transmission: Cochran, Dawson, Gaines, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry and Yoakum.
Since the outbreak began in late January, there have been two fatalities confirmed, one on February 26 and one on April 6, in unvaccinated, school-aged children.
DSHS said that less than one percent, or fewer than 10 of the confirmed cases, were estimated to be actively infectious since their rash onset date was less than a week ago.
Ninety-four of the patients have been hospitalized over the course of the outbreak. DSHS noted this is not the current number of people in the hospital.
For more information about where to get the measles vaccine on the South Plains, click here.
