Chicago – April 07, 2025
A second child has died from measles as an outbreak of the highly contagious disease continues to spread across western Texas.
The child, who was of school age and unvaccinated, had no prior health issues but was hospitalized due to measles-related complications, according to Aaron Davis, vice president of UMC Health System.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., facing criticism over his response to the outbreak, visited Texas on Sunday following the child’s death the third measles-related death in recent weeks.
Texas has reported over 480 measles cases so far this year, up from 420 earlier in the week. The outbreak has now expanded into neighboring states. Nationwide, more than 600 measles cases have been confirmed this year more than double last year’s total of 285.
While the worst outbreak in recent U.S. history occurred in 2019 with 1,274 cases, this year’s numbers are the highest since the early 1990s, excluding 2019. Most of the recent infections have occurred in unvaccinated individuals and trace back to the western Texas outbreak.
“This tragedy highlights how crucial vaccines are,” said Davis. “Measles is extremely contagious and can result in serious health issues, particularly for those who haven’t been vaccinated.”
The eight-year-old girl passed away early Thursday. Though her death had not yet been included in official statistics, Kennedy confirmed it via a statement on social media.
He stated that he came to Texas quietly to offer support and condolences and is working with local officials to strengthen cooperation between federal and state health agencies. He also announced the deployment of a team to assist with vaccine distribution and supplies similar to his efforts in March.
Kennedy emphasized that the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is the most effective tool for preventing measles spread.
In February, an unvaccinated six-year-old girl from a Mennonite community became the first U.S. child to die of measles in ten years. In March, an unvaccinated man in New Mexico also died from the virus, although the exact cause of death remains under review.
President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he believes the outbreak is still under control.
“It’s a relatively small number of people, compared to the scale of the issue,” he said. “We’ve dealt with measles for many years. It’s not a new problem.”
Trump added that if the outbreak worsens, “we’ll take strong action.”
Measles typically causes fever, rash, coughing, and other symptoms but can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, or death. Though declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, the disease has re-emerged as vaccine resistance has grown.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective and dramatically reduce the risk of severe illness. Experts say around 95% of the population must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity and protect vulnerable individuals.
The recent surge in cases began in a religious community with strong opposition to vaccines. Local health officials say they’ve struggled to improve vaccination rates despite the ongoing threat.
Kennedy has faced criticism for his subdued initial response. Previously skeptical of vaccines, he had downplayed the seriousness of the outbreak, calling it “not unusual.” Although his messaging shifted after the February death, he still hasn’t clearly endorsed vaccination, instead suggesting parents consult their doctors.
On Sunday, Republican Senator and physician Bill Cassidy called for clearer public health messaging. “Everyone should be vaccinated! Measles has no treatment and no upside,” he posted on X, urging health leaders to speak plainly before more children die.
Kennedy has occasionally recommended Vitamin A for treating measles, though medical experts caution it should only be administered under a doctor’s supervision. In Lubbock, Covenant Children’s Hospital has treated multiple cases of Vitamin A toxicity in children hospitalized for measles complications
