West Texas, according to Texas DSHS. 158 cases have been detected in West Texas since late January. 1 child has died and more than 20 people have been hospitalized. AUSTIN - Twelve new measles cases have been confirmed in West Texas,

Measles parties echo chicken pox parties from decades ago, when people would deliberately expose themselves or others to someone with a confirmed case in an attempt to spread the virus in a controlled environment. The chicken pox vaccine was introduced to the public in 1995, largely ending the practice.

Measles cases in Texas rose to 146 on Friday. The vast majority are connected to an outbreak in West Texas. And many of those patients -- nearly 50 of them -- are under the age of 4. Now some pediatricians are giving parents the option of vaccinated their babies sooner.