Texas’s deadly measles outbreak is growing, as confirmed cases in the state have risen to at least 223 since January, according to the latest figures from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The number of confirmed cases is up from 198 reported last week.
At least 29 people — mostly children — have been hospitalized after contracting the virus.
One unvaccinated school-age child in Texas has died, the health department reported last month, and a potential second unvaccinated death is under investigation in New Mexico, where the Texas outbreak has spread.
The Texas department updates its figures Tuesdays and Fridays.
“Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities,” it cautioned in its latest update.
Health officials have been working to contain the transmissions, including through vaccination efforts.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, initially downplayed the outbreak but has since called its end a “top priority” for the federal agency.
Unrelated measles cases have also been reported this year in states including Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
