As measles cases in West Texas are still on the rise two months after the outbreak began, local public health officials say they expect the virus to keep spreading for at least several more months and that the official case number is likely an undercount.

There have been more measles cases in the US during the first three months of 2025, than in all of 2024, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday, there are 309 cases in Texas and one measles-related death in the state. In New Mexico, cases have risen to 42, with one measles-related death.

According to the parents, the child contracted measles, also developing pneumonia and trouble breathing. Her parents took her to the hospital where she was placed on life support before passing away. However, the parents said they would still not recommend the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines.