Measles outbreaks surge in Texas & New Mexico, with more than 250 cases & 2 deaths

CINCINNATI (WKRC) — Measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico were now up to more than 250 cases as of Wednesday.

Two people have died from measles-related causes, health officials said.

Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.

Public health providers are advising doctors across the country to be vigilant as cases continue to spread. They said vaccination remains the only effective prevention against the illness.

A two-shot series of the measles vaccine is required for lifetime protection in both children and adults. Those unsure if they have received both shots may be eligible for a booster.

However, Dr. Stephen Feagins, who is the Hamilton County Public Health Medical Director, offered some advice.

If you got the full series, then the indication to have a booster as an adult is simply not there," he said.

The virus that causes measles is so contagious that it is estimated each infected person can spread it to up to 18 unvaccinated individuals. In comparison, COVID-19 may impact two others.

The National Institutes of Health reported that potential complications from measles include seizures, blindness, and hearing loss.

It can also lead to "immune amnesia," which means that rather than boosting your immune system, "getting measles as an unvaccinated individual actually lowers your immune system significantly to other types of infections."

This increased vulnerability to other illnesses is not a concern for those protected by the measles vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that individuals born before 1957 likely have immunity from childhood exposure and do not need the vaccine.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.