The latest update comes two days after the first death was reported in a school-aged child who lived in the outbreak area.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to humans. Just one infected patient can spread measles to up to nine out of 10 susceptible close contacts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Disease (CDC).

One hundred forty-six measles cases have been reported in the outbreak in West Texas, the Texas Department of Health Services said in an update today. This is 22 more confirmed cases since an update on Tuesday,

HOUSTON — Houston Mayor John Whitmire told KHOU 11 he is confident in the city's ability to swiftly respond to any potential arrival of measles cases as an outbreak in the western part of the state continues to grow.

The West Texas measles outbreak continues to see more confirmed cases and, on Wednesday, the outbreak's first death. Weather could play a role.

The main measles outbreak has been in the South Plains region of West Texas, where 124 cases have been confirmed. Most of the cases have been among unvaccinated children, although five people who are vaccinated have been among the cases, according to health officials.

Declining vaccination rates, decreasing trust in government and a political unwillingness to endorse vaccines is shaping Texas’ measles response.

The news on Wednesday that a Texas child died from the measles is a sign the outbreak that has already infected 124 is dangerous, Dr. Peter Hotez said.