The measles outbreak in Texas has reached nearly 150 cases, according to a Friday morning update from the state health department. The agency said 146 cases have been identified since late January. Twenty of those patients have been hospitalized, and one school-age, unvaccinated child has died.

The measles outbreak in Texas has quickly grown to 146 cases. One child has died. NBC News answers readers' questions about the disease, vaccines and government response.

The virus - which can cause a fever, red rash, cough and other symptoms - also is associated with a host of complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling and death.People who are immunocompromised,