DALLAS, Texas—The Texas Department of State Health Services has expanded the list of counties considered to be in a measles outbreak area.
The addition of five counties follows the death of a second unvaccinated child due to the disease. Health officials have advised that vaccinations should commence earlier for children in these areas.
The counties newly identified as outbreak areas are Cochran, Dallam, Garza, Lamar, and Lubbock.
These join previously listed counties Dawson, Gaines, Lynn, Terry, and Yoakum, where ongoing measles transmission has been reported.
The report detailed over 500 confirmed cases of measles, with Gaines County recognized as the epicenter of the outbreak.
Officials have urged the public to ensure vaccinations are up to date, particularly for young children in the affected areas.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through respiratory droplets.
Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that typically starts on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.
Health officials report that complications from measles can include pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.