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Tragically, a second unvaccinated child in Texas has died due to measles complications, marking the state’s second such loss this year. The school-aged child, who had no underlying health conditions, passed away in a Lubbock hospital from measles pulmonary failure. This follows another pediatric measles death in Texas in late February, the first in the US in a decade, and an adult death in New Mexico the following week.
With 499 out of 642 confirmed cases nationwide concentrated in Texas, the state is battling its worst measles outbreak in 30 years. This year’s cases have already more than doubled last year’s total, reaching levels not seen since 2019.
New Mexico, Kansas, and Ohio are also experiencing outbreaks. If the current trajectory continues, the US could face its highest case count since 1992, potentially jeopardizing the nation’s “measles eliminated” status, declared in 2000.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy visited Texas to offer condolences to the grieving family.
He emphasized the importance of the MMR vaccine as the most effective preventative measure against measles. While Kennedy has faced criticism for his past vaccine skepticism and initial downplaying of the outbreak, he has reiterated the vaccine’s effectiveness, albeit while maintaining it’s a “personal choice.”
Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, urged top health officials to unequivocally advocate for vaccination, emphasizing its crucial role in preventing further tragedies.
Amid the outbreak, concerns have been raised about recent HHS funding and workforce cuts, potentially impacting response efforts. Local health officials worry about the reduced capacity to expand lab capabilities, distribute vaccines, and support smaller health departments already stretched thin. These cuts come as Texas and other states grapple with a resurgence of this preventable disease.