U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said last week he would send Texas 2,000 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine through its immunization program. Kennedy founded the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense, but has said he would not prevent Americans from getting vaccinated.

Texas health officials have pleaded with families in the state to avoid attending "measles parties" and ensure that their children are vaccinated.

At least 146 measles cases have been identified in West Texas so far, including 20 hospitalizations and one death.