The Texas measles outbreak has grown by only four cases since last week, marking another period of progress as health officials work to slow the spread of the virus.
State health officials announced Tuesday that 722 cases have been confirmed since the outbreak first erupted in late January — an increase of four since Friday’s update, when only one additional case was reported.
Of the 722 cases, health officials said less than 1%, or fewer than 10 of the confirmed cases, are considered “actively infectious.” Those with measles are infectious four days prior to and four days after rash onset.
Since the start of the outbreak, which began in Gaines County, more than 90 people have been hospitalized and two school-aged, unvaccinated children have died.
At 406 cases, Gaines County is still home to a vast majority of the outbreak. Other impacted counties include Cochran, Dawson, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry and Yoakum.
Measles, one of the most contagious viruses in the world, spreads primarily among unvaccinated people. The virus can live in the air and on surfaces for hours after an infected person has left.
The two-dose MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the illness. Health experts recommend the first dose be istered to babies between 12 and 15 months old, with the second dose istered when the child is 4 to 6 years old.
People who are pregnant or immunocompromised are not advised to take the vaccine.