A significant measles outbreak is escalating in Texas, particularly in an area known for its low vaccination rates. Since Tuesday, the number of confirmed cases has surged, now affecting additional counties.

Last week, health authorities reported nine cases in Gaines County, located near the New Mexico border, where vaccination coverage among kindergartners is alarmingly low at only approximately 82 percent. By Tuesday, this figure had surged to 24 confirmed cases, all within Gaines County. In the latest update from the state health department on Friday, it was revealed that the total case count has reached 48, spreading into three neighboring counties, all of which also fall below the critical vaccination threshold of 95 percent needed to prevent the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Gaines County is currently reporting 42 cases. Northeast Lynn County has recorded one case, with a vaccination rate of 91 percent. Terry County, which has a 94 percent vaccination rate, reports three cases, and Yoakum County, with a vaccination coverage of 92.5 percent, has documented two cases. Both Terry and Yoakum Counties are situated directly north of Gaines.

As noted previously, all reported cases involve individuals who are either unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination history. Out of the total 48 cases, 42 involve children, including 13 aged 0 to 4 years. Furthermore, 13 individuals, accounting for 27 percent of cases, have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.