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LUBBOCK, TX – A second child has tragically died from measles complications amid a rapidly growing outbreak in western Texas, health officials confirmed. The victim, an eight-year-old unvaccinated girl with no underlying health conditions, passed away early Thursday while hospitalized.
The death underscores the severity of the outbreak, which saw Texas measles cases jump from 420 earlier in the week to over 480 by Friday. The highly contagious virus has also spread to neighboring states, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, with public health experts linking these cases back to the initial Texas cluster.
“This unfortunate event underscores the importance of vaccination,” said Aaron Davis, vice-president of UMC Health System, in a statement confirming the girl’s death. “Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, particularly for those who are unvaccinated.”
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has faced criticism regarding his handling of the escalating situation, visited Texas on Sunday following the news. Kennedy confirmed the child’s death, stating his intention was to “console the families” and coordinate with local officials. He announced the deployment of a federal team to assist with vaccine distribution and support services, reiterating, “The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine.”
This is the second pediatric measles death in the US this year, following the death of an unvaccinated six-year-old girl from the local Mennonite community in February – the first such death in the nation in a decade. Additionally, an unvaccinated man died in New Mexico in March after contracting measles, though his official cause of death remains under investigation. The US has recorded over 600 measles cases nationwide this year, the vast majority among unvaccinated individuals.
The outbreak reportedly originated within a religious community known for vaccine refusal.Local health officials have expressed difficulty in increasing vaccination rates within this group. Measles, characterized by fever, rash, and cough, can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death.
Although declared eliminated in the US in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination, measles has seen a resurgence fueled by rising anti-vaccine sentiment.10 The MMR vaccine, proven safe and effective, prevents 97% of cases with two doses and is crucial for maintaining herd immunity, which requires approximately 95% population coverage to protect vulnerable individuals.
Secretary Kennedy’s response has drawn scrutiny. Initially downplaying the outbreak as “not unusual,” he shifted his tone after the first child’s death but initially stopped short of explicitly recommending vaccination, instead advising parents to consult doctors. His promotion of Vitamin A as a treatment has also been controversial, with doctors emphasizing it should only be used under medical supervision in specific cases.12 Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock reported treating several children for Vitamin A toxicity after they presented with measles complications.
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), a physician, reiterated calls for clear public health messaging on Sunday via social media platform X: “Everyone should be vaccinated! There is no treatment for measles.14 No benefit to getting measles. Top health officials should say so unequivocally b/4 another child dies.”
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