Texas, New Mexico report increase in measles cases

By Bhanvi Satija

March 7 (Reuters) - Texas and New Mexico on Friday reported an additional 59 cases of measles, bringing the total in those two states to 228 as the outbreak spread further after causing the first U.S. measles deaths in a decade.

In Texas, site of the largest U.S. outbreak, measles cases grew to 198 on March 4, up 39. These included 30 new cases in Gaines County, center of the outbreak, which now has a total of 137. Measles has claimed the life of one unvaccinated child who had no underlying health concerns.

In New Mexico, cases rose to 30 on Friday, up from 10 on Thursday, when the state reported that an adult who had died tested positive for measles. Medical examiners were still investigating that case, the first measles-related death in the state.

U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone of New Jersey, Diana DeGette of Colorado and Yvette Clarke of New York, all Democrats, called for a congressional oversight hearing to look into the rapidly spreading measles outbreak.

The unvaccinated adult patient from New Mexico did not seek any medical care before death. All that state's cases were reported in Lea County, that is located adjacent to Gaines County.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, initially called such outbreaks ordinary and failed to mention the role of vaccination to prevent measles.

He has since mentioned vaccines, but has also spread some misinformation about the role of vitamin A.