Health officials believe vaccination is the most powerful measure in stopping the spread of the disease.
United States: On Tuesday, the Texas health department reported 722 measles cases in the state, up by four from Friday’s update, as reported by Reuters.
The number of cases reported in the epicenter of Gaines County was still 406, the health department said.
A National Concern
Since February, the United States has dealt with a large outbreak of a highly contagious virus that has led to three confirmed deaths and many more cases.
Scientists say the United States may soon see measles reappear, since the disease was eliminated from the nation in 2000 and that public health officials should encourage people to use highly effective vaccines.
Since the outbreak, this week has marked the smallest increase in measles cases in Texas.
Regional Impact
Different states have been affected by the outbreak, with cases rising in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, as reported by Reuters.
New Mexico’s health department has not reported any new cases since Friday, with the last number being 74. Many of New Mexico’s cases came from Lea County, which shares a border with Texas’s Gaines County.