A measles outbreak in Texas is getting worse, with at least two-dozens cases confirmed, 1200 WOAI news reports.
It centers on tiny Gaines County, which has one of the highest rates of vaccine exemptions in Texas. And, for that reason, experts say it will likely get worse before it gets better.
"The number is likely to increase. Measles is one of the most transmissible pathogens that we know of," Dr. Jason Bowling at San Antonio's University Health tells 1200 WOAI's Michael Board.
The infectious disease expert says what is uniquely troubling about this outbreak is that most of the patients are children.
"Children are at higher risk of complications," he explains. "Things like pneumonia. And that can lead to hospitalizations."
Health officials in Gaines County say that nine patients are currently hospitalized. But they expect that number to increase.
And Measles cases are now being reported in neighboring New Mexico. The State Health Department said in a news release that a teenager in Lea County had tested positive. He, also, is unvaccinated.
"The New Mexico youth had no recent travel or exposure to known cases from the Texas outbreak," the New Mexico Department of Health said.
Dr. Bowling, who is also a professor UT Health San Antonio, says that if somebody is fully vaccinated against measles and has a normal immune system then they don't need to worry. That vaccine, he says, works. Research shows just one of the two-doses is 93-percent effective.
"If you're an adult and you did not receive the vaccines, it's important to talk to your health care provider so you get up to date and protected."