The West Texas measles outbreak may be hundreds of miles away from Dallas/Fort Worth, but local experts caution that the anti-vaccine mindset that put that community at risk is already here. "So, I tell my patients,

DALLAS — More than 140 cases of measles have been reported in Texas, including one here in North Texas, and a child in Lubbock has died from the virus, health officials said. The number of cases in the West Texas outbreak increased by 22 when officials released new data Friday, bringing the total to 146.

Kahn says the measles vaccination has been a victim of its own success. “The vast majority of people have never seen a case of measles or its consequences, and it becomes an abstract thing. They wonder why they would get vaccinated for measles here and now. We’re paying for that right now.”

The number of measles cases reported in Texas continues to grow. These are the North Texas schools most and least at risk of a breakout infection.

Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, the chief of infectious diseases at Children's Health in Dallas believes the reason for the cases is the low vaccination rate. Kahn said about 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated against measles to avoid an outbreak, and the vaccination rates in the affected areas range between 20% to 50%.

Addressing reader concerns about measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. You’re reading The Checkup With Dr. Wen, a newsletter on how to navigate medical and public health challenges. Click here to get the full newsletter in your inbox, including answers to reader questions and a summary of new scientific research.