HOUSTON, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed measles cases in the second largest U.S. state of Texas has reached 309 since its outbreak about two months ago, surpassing the nationwide total in 2024, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) said on Friday.
All the cases except two are in unvaccinated people or those whose vaccination status is unknown, said the service, adding that at least 40 people have been hospitalized so far.
Children aged 5 and 17 make up the majority of cases, at 130, said the service.
Measles will keep spreading for several more months or even last a year, said local health officials, noting that the official case number is likely an undercount.
There have been two U.S. deaths linked to measles this year, with one confirmed in Texas and one under investigation in New Mexico, said an ABC News report.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 378 measles cases this year in at least 17 states.
As many as 285 cases were reported last year across the country, according to CDC data.
