A measles outbreak that has caused the deaths of two school-aged children has now surpassed more than 500 cases across Texas, according to health officials. The latest update from the Texas Department of State Health Services shows that 505 people have been infected with measles since the outbreak began in late January in the South Plains region.

In addition to these two children's deaths in Texas, a third death was reported in a New Mexico resident that was possibly linked to the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still conducting an independent investigation to confirm that the third death is related to the outbreak.

A second school-aged child in West Texas has died from a measles-related illness, a hospital spokesman confirmed Sunday, as the outbreak continues to swell.