Texas Measles Cases Increase 4% as Spread Appears to Be Slowing

Texas reported 20 new confirmed measles cases on Tuesday, a 4% increase from Friday’s data as the virus’ spread appears to be slowing in the hardest-hit US state.

The state now has 561 total cases, with 58 people hospitalized since the outbreak began, two more since the last update April 11. Two unvaccinated children have died in Texas since the outbreak began this year.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tallied 712 confirmed cases in 24 states so far. The vast majority of cases have been in people who were unvaccinated. After two doses, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is 97% effective against the highly contagious disease.

A group of scientific experts are meeting in Atlanta this week to discuss vaccine recommendations. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to discuss the measles outbreak on Tuesday afternoon.

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously questioned the safety of the MMR vaccine, including linking the vaccine to autism — a debunked theory. The inconsistency in Kennedy’s vaccine messaging has worried health officials.