The Texas Department of State Health Services today reported 17 more measles cases from the West Texas outbreak, bringing the state's total to 663.
In other developments, Arkansas reported its fourth case, which hints at local spread, and Mexico's government issued a travel advisory for the United States and Canada owing to measles outbreaks.
Active transmission in 10 Texas counties
Along with more cases in the West Texas outbreak, the state reported 23 more hospitalizations from earlier in the outbreak, putting that total at 87. The number of deaths remain at 2.
So far, 26 Texas counties have measles cases linked to the outbreak, which began in Gaines County in January. Ten are still experiencing active transmission.
The state also reported 1 more measles case that doesn’t have any known link to the West Texas outbreak, raising that total to 30.
No new cases were reported in New Mexico and Oklahoma, where illnesses have been linked to the West Texas outbreak.
First local spread in Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Health today reported its fourth case, which involves a Faulkner County resident who had no travel history, signifying the state's first case of the year involving community spread. The patient, like the previous three, is younger than 18 years old.
Officials also noted that the child wasn't fully vaccinated and visited a medical clinic and a dance studio while infectious.
Based on community spread in Faulkner County, the health department updated its vaccine recommendations for anyone living in or traveling to the county and six neighboring counties. All children ages 6 to 11 months old can receive a "zero dose" measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, meaning it doesn't count as one of the two recommended doses for kids ages 12 months and older.
Mexico posts notice on travel to US, Canada
Mexico's government on April 25 issued a yellow (medium) health notice about travel to Canada and the United States because of measles outbreaks in both countries.
Officials noted that, as of April 17, Canada has reported 880 cases this year in six provinces, though 804 of them (91%) are in Ontario. They also said that, as of the same date, the United States has reported 800 cases in 25 states, though mostly in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Ohio. They urged travelers to ensure that they are up to date with MMR vaccination and to avoid travel and limit contact with others if symptomatic.
Mexico is also experiencing a measles outbreak, with 421 cases in eight states, but with 96% of them (403) in Chihuahua, according to an update yesterday from the World Health Organization on measles activity in the Americas.
