A growing measles outbreak in rural West Texas has led to the first U.S. death from the disease in nearly a decade, state health officials confirmed Wednesday. The victim, a school-aged child who was not vaccinated, died after being hospitalized, marking a grim milestone in what has become Texas’ largest measles outbreak in almost 30 years.
Since the outbreak began last month, at least 124 cases have been reported across nine counties, raising concerns among health experts about the resurgence of the highly contagious, but preventable, virus. Measles, which spreads through respiratory droplets, can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and in rare cases, death.
Despite the seriousness of the outbreak, Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. downplayed concerns, telling reporters, “We have measles outbreaks every year.” This statement is false, as widespread measles outbreaks have been rare in the U.S. since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, thanks to vaccination efforts. The last reported measles-related death in the country occurred in 2015.
Public health officials are urging parents to ensure their children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is 97% effective at preventing measles. The outbreak in Texas is believed to have been fueled by declining vaccination rates, which have left more children and communities vulnerable to preventable diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has sent teams to assist Texas health authorities in containing the outbreak, while hospitals in affected counties are working to isolate infected patients and prevent further spread.
As measles cases continue to rise, officials warn that misinformation and vaccine hesitancy could lead to more outbreaks across the country, putting lives at unnecessary risk.
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