Texas and New Mexico health departments said on Friday that the number of measles cases in their states rose 20% since their last reports three days ago, as experts warn they expect the outbreak to further spread in coming weeks.

When Texas officials first discovered measles cases this year, they were among the Mennonite population. Now, officials say cases are spreading to other communities.

Measles cases in the U.S. neared 500 Friday, according to the CDC, as the highly contagious illness continues spreading in Texas after being reported in at least 18 other states.

Texas and New Mexico's health departments said on Friday measles cases in their states have risen to 444, an increase of 74 infections since their last reports three days ago, as the U.S. deals with one of the largest measles outbreaks in a decade.

The total number of cases reported in the state since January is 400. The total number of measles cases reported in connection with a West Texas outbreak has reached 400, according to the latest data from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Medical disinformation connected to the West Texas measles outbreak has created a new problem. Children are being treated for toxic levels of vitamin A.

Already, the U.S. has more measles cases this year than in all of 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said. Other states with outbreaks — defined as three or more cases — include New Mexico,

The number of measles cases associated with an outbreak in western Texas has grown to 400, with 73 cases reported over the last three days, according to new data released Friday. Almost all of the cases are in unvaccinated individuals or in individuals whose vaccination status is unknown,