An eight-year-old unvaccinated girl from Lubbock, Texas, has died from measles, marking the second pediatric fatality in the state during the ongoing outbreak. The child, who had no underlying health conditions, succumbed to measles-induced pulmonary failure on Thursday. This follows the death of a six-year-old in February, representing the first measles-related deaths in the United States in a decade.
Since late January, Texas has reported 481 confirmed measles cases, predominantly among unvaccinated individuals. The outbreak has also spread to neighboring states, with New Mexico reporting 54 cases and Oklahoma 10. Health officials are concerned that the outbreak could persist for up to a year without widespread vaccination efforts, potentially jeopardizing the U.S.’s measles elimination status achieved in 2000.
In response to the escalating crisis, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., previously known for his vaccine skepticism, has publicly endorsed the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. After attending the funeral of the eight-year-old victim, Kennedy emphasized that the MMR vaccine is the most effective means to prevent the spread of measles. This marks a significant shift from his earlier stance linking vaccines to autism, a claim widely discredited by scientific research.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has deployed teams to assist Texas health authorities in managing the outbreak. Health experts stress the critical importance of vaccination, noting that the MMR vaccine is 97% effective with two doses. They warn that declining vaccination rates, partly due to rising antivaccine sentiment post-COVID-19, have contributed to the resurgence of measles.
Communities with low vaccination rates, such as certain Mennonite groups in Texas, have been particularly affected. Despite the church not opposing vaccinations, some members’ hesitancy has led to increased vulnerability. Health officials continue to urge all individuals, especially those in affected areas, to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations to prevent further spread of the disease.