Second child dies of measles as Texas outbreak worsens

A second child has died from measles in western Texas.

The school-aged girl was unvaccinated and had no health issues. She was hospitalized due to complications from the virus, according to Aaron Davis of UMC Health System.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Texas after the death. This marks the third measles-related death in recent weeks.

So far this year, Texas has reported over 480 measles cases. This is an increase from 420 earlier this week, and the outbreak has spread to neighboring states.

"This unfortunate event highlights the importance of vaccination," Mr. Davis stated. "Measles can lead to serious complications for unvaccinated individuals."

The eight-year-old girl passed away early Thursday morning.

The BBC reached out to state health officials for comments but received no updates on the case counts.

In a social media statement, Kennedy confirmed the girl's death. He intended to console families and support local health officials during their grief.

Kennedy also mentioned he would deploy a team to help distribute vaccines and supplies in Texas.

"The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles," he wrote.

Earlier this year, an unvaccinated six-year-old girl died in a local Mennonite community. In March, an unvaccinated man died in New Mexico after contracting measles; his cause of death is still under investigation.

President Donald Trump commented that he believes the outbreak is largely contained.

"It's a small number of people relative to what we're discussing," he said. "This isn't something new."

He added that if cases increase, strong action may be necessary.

The US has recorded over 600 measles cases this year, nearly triple last year's total of 285 cases reported by the CDC.

Most current cases are among unvaccinated individuals linked to the outbreak in western Texas.

Experts believe cases in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas are connected to this original outbreak.

Measles can cause fever, rash, cough, pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.

The US declared measles eliminated in 2000 but outbreaks have increased due to rising anti-vaccine sentiment.

Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective at preventing infection and reducing severe illness. To achieve herd immunity, about 95% of people need vaccinations.

This outbreak began in a religious community that opposes vaccines. Local officials report limited progress improving vaccination rates in western Texas.

Kennedy's initial response drew criticism for being too muted as outbreaks worsened. He initially described it as "not unusual."

After a child's death in February—the first US measles fatality in ten years—he changed his tone but did not recommend vaccinations outright. Instead, he encouraged discussions with doctors about vaccines.

On Sunday, Senator Bill Cassidy called for stronger messaging on vaccinations. Cassidy is also a doctor who has criticized Kennedy's skeptical views on vaccines.

"Everyone should be vaccinated! There is no treatment for measles," Cassidy stated on social media platform X. "Top health officials must say so clearly before another child dies."

Kennedy has sometimes promoted Vitamin A as a treatment for measles; doctors advise using it only under medical guidance when necessary.

In Lubbock, Covenant Children's Hospital treated several children for Vitamin A toxicity related to measles complications.