Infectious disease experts say the latest outbreak is still in its infancy and could get a lot worse – here’s what to know

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Twenty-five years ago, the US eliminated the measles virus. Measles is extremely contagious, and sporadic cases and outbreaks are expected.

But as of 28 February, 146 people in Texas – the majority of whom are unvaccinated children – have contracted measles. Twenty have been hospitalized, according to the Texas department of state health services. One “school-aged child” who was not vaccinated died this week, according to a 26 February statement – the first measles death in the US since 2015.