As measles cases in West Texas are still on the rise two months after the outbreak began, local public health officials say they expect the virus to keep spreading for at least several more months and that the official case number is likely an undercount.

The Texas measles outbreak intensified to 309 cases with 40 hospitalizations. HOUSTON — A measles outbreak in Texas has intensified, with the Texas Department of State Health Services now confirming 309 cases statewide since late January — up from 279 cases reported earlier this week.

But the spread has led to more measles, mumps and rubella vaccination in Texas and New Mexico this year. Pharmacies in West Texas are also seeing an increase in demand for the shots.