Texas, Apr 2 (UNI) The number of people infected with measles in the US state of Texas has risen to 422, the Texas Department of State Health Services said.
“The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains and Panhandle regions of Texas. At this time, 422 cases have been identified since late January. Forty-two of the patients have been hospitalized,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday.
The first death from the measles outbreak in Texas was recorded in late February and involved an unvaccinated young child.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is spread through airborne droplets. Young children are most at risk for serious complications, including death. Vaccination against measles is highly effective, with 97% of those vaccinated never contracting the disease. Conversely, an unvaccinated person has an almost 100% chance of becoming infected upon first contact with a carrier.
