The health authorities in Texas have reported 722 cases of measles today, marking an increase of four cases since the last update on Friday.
The Texas Department of State Health Services noted that the case count in Gaines County, the epicenter of the outbreak, has remained unchanged at 406 cases.
The United States is currently experiencing one of the most severe outbreaks of this highly contagious disease since February, which has led to three confirmed deaths and over 1,000 reported cases to date.
Researchers have warned that the U.S. is at a critical juncture regarding the return of endemic measles, a disease that health officials declared eliminated nationwide in 2000. They emphasize that public health officials need to urgently approve the use of highly effective vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that the measles vaccine is 97% effective following two doses.