An eight-year-old girl in western Texas has passed away from severe complications due to measles. She had no prior health issues and was not vaccinated. She died on Thursday while being treated at a local hospital.
This death is the second related to the recent measles outbreak in Texas. It comes as cases of measles continue to rise across the U.S. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health Secretary, visited Texas on Sunday to offer his condolences and meet with local health officials.
Measles Cases Are Growing in the U.S.
Texas reported over 480 confirmed measles cases this week, up from 420 earlier. The outbreak, which started in Texas, has now spread to nearby states. The rise in cases shows no sign of stopping.
Nationwide, there have been more than 600 cases of measles this year. This number is more than double last year’s total. The CDC reported only 285 cases in 2024, much lower than this year’s surge. In 2019, there were 1,274 cases, the highest since the early 1990s.
Most of the new cases have been in unvaccinated people. Texas has seen many of these cases, particularly in areas where immunization rates are low.
Unvaccinated People Are at Higher Risk
Measles is a highly contagious disease. It spreads easily among those who are not vaccinated. Aaron Davis, an official from UMC Health System, warned that measles can be dangerous for anyone who is not vaccinated.
The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is the best defense against the disease. Two doses of the vaccine offer 97% protection. Health experts say at least 95% of a community must be vaccinated to stop the spread of the disease. Without this level of vaccination, outbreaks like the one in Texas can happen.
The child who died this week was not vaccinated. So far, all recent deaths from measles have been in people who did not get the vaccine.
A Second Child Dies From Measles
The girl who died on Thursday was the second child to die from measles in the U.S. this year. In February, an unvaccinated six-year-old girl from a Mennonite community also died from measles. This was the first measles-related death in the U.S. in 10 years.
In addition to these child deaths, a man in New Mexico died from measles complications in March. His cause of death is still under review.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Responds to Outbreak
After the death of the eight-year-old girl, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traveled to Texas. He met with local leaders and visited families affected by the outbreak. Kennedy said he came to Texas to offer support to grieving families and help strengthen the federal response.
Kennedy also confirmed that a new medical team was being sent to Texas. This team will distribute vaccines, medicine, and supplies to help contain the outbreak. Kennedy stressed the importance of getting vaccinated and said the MMR vaccine is key to stopping the spread of measles.
Political Debate Over Vaccine Hesitancy
The measles outbreak has sparked debate about vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. President Donald Trump made a statement aboard Air Force One, saying that the outbreak seems under control. However, he acknowledged that authorities are still monitoring the situation.
Some public health experts, like Senator Bill Cassidy, have criticized Trump’s comments. Cassidy, a physician from Louisiana, called for stronger messaging about the need for vaccinations. He urged all parents to get their children vaccinated and said there is no cure for measles.
Kennedy, who has been criticized for his past stance on vaccines, has shifted his position. While he now acknowledges the seriousness of the outbreak, he has not strongly urged parents to vaccinate their children. Instead, he has suggested that parents consult with their doctors about vaccination.
Kennedy has also promoted Vitamin A as a treatment for measles. However, doctors warn that it should only be used in certain cases. Some children treated with Vitamin A at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock have suffered from toxicity.
The Importance of Vaccination
Health experts stress that vaccination is the only way to prevent measles. Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. Vaccination protects not only individuals but also communities. It is vital to reach herd immunity to protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as babies and people with certain health conditions.
The recent deaths in Texas and the growing number of measles cases serve as a reminder of the importance of immunization. The MMR vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective in preventing measles. Health authorities urge all parents to ensure their children are vaccinated to help stop the spread of this dangerous disease.
Urgent Action Needed
The measles outbreak in Texas and other states is a serious health crisis. While health officials are working hard to control the situation, more needs to be done to increase vaccination rates. Stronger public health messaging, better access to vaccines, and increased education about the importance of immunization are essential to stopping the spread of measles.