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 measles outbreak that began in the South Plains region surged to 400 cases across Texas on Friday, with dozens more reported in New Mexico and Oklahoma. The latest update from the Texas Department of State Health Services added 73 infections,

Most of the cases were reported in Lea County, which is adjacent to the Gaines County in Texas. Gaines County is considered the center of the current measles outbreak that began in late January across the two states.