(NewsNation) — Measles cases have been rising in Texas and have now been reported in New Mexico, health officials have confirmed.
In Texas, an outbreak has grown to 58 cases, making it the state’s worst in more than 30 years.
Health officials in New Mexico also had confirmed cases of the disease, but say there is no link between the cases there and in Texas.
Here is what you need to know about the measles outbreak, and how to stay safe.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease caused by a virus. It spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes and can cause severe illness and even death.
Symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash all over the body.
How effective are measles vaccines?
According to the CDC, getting one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is 93% effective against measles, and two doses prove to be 97% effective.
Who is most vulnerable to measles?
Anyone not vaccinated against measles can become infected. Young children and pregnant women are at a much higher risk of severe measles complications.
What is the scope of the current outbreak?
Measles cases in west rural Texas are mostly concentrated in Gaines County, where there are 45 infections. Other counties include Terry County which has nine infections, Yoakum County has two and Lubbock and Lynn counties both have one each.
The Texas Department of State Health Services said 13 people were hospitalized for measles.
Cases in New Mexico are concentrated in Lea County, which borders Texas’ Gaines County.
What are public health officials saying?
Health officials in New Mexico have set up vaccination clinics for the next two weeks.
Dr. Varun Shetty with the Texas Department of State Health Services told NewsNation Now that the most effective way to fight the disease is to make sure people are vaccinated.
How can you protect your family from the outbreak?
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent measles. The MMR vaccine is most effective when you receive two routine doses.
Even among those who do get measles after vaccination, “The disease is typically much milder and makes it less contagious to pass on to others,” Shetty said.
