A person hospitalized with measles in West Texas has died, marking the first fatality in an outbreak that has now infected at least 124 people across nine counties.
Lubbock city officials confirmed the death on Wednesday but did not release details about the patient, who passed away overnight.
The outbreak, which began in late January, has also spread to eastern New Mexico, where nine cases have been reported. Health officials say the virus is primarily affecting the Mennonite community in rural areas where travel between towns for work, church, and daily errands has contributed to its spread.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected. While most cases result in recovery, measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, and even death.
Local hospitals and health officials are urging vaccinations to help contain the outbreak as the number of cases continues to rise.