Recent measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico have resulted in nearly 100 confirmed cases, as reported by state health authorities, who are cautioning that the situation may worsen.

Since late January, an outbreak has been growing in the South Plains region of Texas, according to a Friday statement from the Texas Department of State Health Services. The vaccination rates in this area fall significantly short of federal recommendations.

As of Friday, health officials confirmed 90 measles cases, with the majority (77) being children. A total of 16 individuals were hospitalized due to the illness, according to the department.

This surge in cases coincides with rising concerns among public health professionals regarding decreasing vaccination rates and the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a notable vaccine skeptic, as the nation’s health secretary.

Mr. Kennedy, known for referencing controversial studies on vaccine side effects, has pledged to examine childhood vaccines closely.

In Texas, the majority of measles cases have been reported in Gaines County, a rural region near the New Mexico border. Out of the 90 cases, only five individuals had received their measles vaccinations, indicating a concerning trend of unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status among the rest, noted the department.