Measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico highlight the risks associated with low vaccination rates, as measles is highly contagious and can be fatal. Arizona schoolchildren have been skipping required vaccinations at an increasing rate,

The first child in 10 years had died from the measles in Texas, and Arizona lacks the herd immunity to keep kids and vulnerable adults safe.

Some Arizona counties have lower measles vaccination rates than in west Texas, where the outbreak has infected at least 159 people since it was first reported in early February and has killed one child.

Arizona hasn’t had any measles cases yet this year, but a local medical expert thinks “it’s just a matter of time” as vaccination rates decline.

Measles can cause seizures, blindness and death, and children under the age of 5 are particularly vulnerable to complications.

The epicenter of the current measles outbreak is Gaines County, Texas, and the latest MMR vaccination rate among kindergarten students there is just shy of 82%. Here in Arizona, there are four counties with an even lower vaccination rate.