CNN
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A recent measles outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, has escalated, with the count now reaching 48 confirmed cases, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services on Friday. This figure has doubled since earlier this week, marking a concerning increase since the initial two cases were detected in late January.

Currently, there are 42 confirmed cases in Gaines County, with additional instances reported in neighboring areas: three cases in Terry County, two in Yoakum County, and one in Lynn County. Given the highly contagious nature of measles, health officials anticipate that the number of cases will continue to rise in both Gaines County and its surroundings.

All those affected either have not been vaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown. The majority of the cases are among children aged 5 to 17, with symptoms emerging over the past three weeks.

Out of the 48 reported cases, 13 individuals have been hospitalized. Measles is a highly infectious airborne disease characterized by symptoms such as rash, fever, red eyes, and coughing. In severe instances, complications can include blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.

The vaccination rate for the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in Gaines County is notably low, with nearly 20% of children entering kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year lacking the vaccine. This 18% exemption rate is among the highest in Texas, according to data from the Texas health department.

The Texas health department is collaborating with two local health organizations—South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health—to address the outbreak.

Over the past week, at least 80 individuals received the MMR vaccine for free at a clinic organized by the South Plains Public Health District, which serves Gaines County. The clinic is set to expand its hours to operate every day.

Last year, the United States reported 285 measles cases, the highest number since 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This year, cases have already emerged in Texas, Alaska, New Mexico, Georgia, Rhode Island, and New York City.

A record proportion of kindergartners in the U.S. received exemptions for required vaccinations last school year, leaving over 125,000 new schoolchildren without coverage for at least one mandated vaccine, according to CDC data released in October.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established a goal for at least 95% of kindergarteners to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, a critical threshold for preventing outbreaks of this highly contagious virus. Unfortunately, this goal has not been met for the past four consecutive years.