LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - There are now 159 confirmed measles cases in the South Plains region. The Texas Department of State Health Services reports 22 of those patients have been hospitalized. Last week, Lubbock health officials confirmed the first death from the outbreak. The DSHS says the child was school-aged and not vaccinated.

Medical professionals have stressed the importance of getting the MMR vaccine since the outbreak began. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status can request records from their primary care providers.

While no cases have been reported in Potter or Randall counties, local public health officials are taking proactive measures to protect residents.

Most of the recent confirmed measles cases in Texas have been in the South Plains region, but this patient was exposed to the disease while traveling overseas.

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.

The measles outbreak in West Texas has grown to 58 cases as of Tuesday. Eight people in neighboring eastern New Mexico also have been diagnosed with the highly contagious disease.

Lubbock Public Health will be hosting a free MMR vaccine clinic as cases continue to rise and Texas reporting its first death in Lubbock last week.