A child in rural West Texas has died from measles, marking the first U.S. fatality from the preventable disease since 2015, according to state health officials. The school-aged child, who was not vaccinated, had been hospitalized and passed away on Tuesday night as Texas faces its largest measles outbreak in nearly 30 years.
Since last month, 124 measles cases have been reported across nine counties. The Texas Department of State Health Services and Lubbock health officials confirmed the child’s death but did not disclose further details about the patient, who was treated at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock.
Dr. Amy Thompson, chief executive officer of Covenant Health, emphasized the severity of the situation. “This is a big deal. We have known that we have measles in our community, and we are now seeing a very serious consequence,” she said.
Federal Response and Misinformation
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine critic, initially made misleading statements about the outbreak, including an incorrect claim that two people had died from measles. His statement was later corrected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirming only one fatality.
The federal government is providing vaccine support and technical assistance to Texas, but state health officials are leading the response. The CDC has committed to providing weekly updates on the outbreak.
Severe Cases and Vaccination Concerns
Many of the cases have been concentrated in a close-knit, under-vaccinated Mennonite community in West Texas. Gaines County, which has recorded 80 cases, has a significant number of homeschooled and privately schooled children, with nearly 14% of students opting out of at least one required vaccine last school year.
More than 20 measles patients have been hospitalized at Covenant Children’s Hospital, with some developing severe respiratory complications, including bacterial pneumonia. Some patients required oxygen tubes or intubation.
Dr. Lara Johnson, chief medical officer at Covenant, emphasized the challenges of treating measles. “Unfortunately, like so many viruses, there aren’t any specific treatments for measles. What we’re doing is providing supportive care, helping support the patients as they hopefully recover.”
Measles: A Preventable Disease
Measles, a highly contagious respiratory virus, was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to widespread vaccination. However, cases have resurged, with vaccination rates declining since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection. It is typically administered in two doses: the first at 12 to 15 months old and the second between ages 4 and 6.
Most children recover from measles, but the infection can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, and death.
Ongoing Concerns and Future Cases
Health officials in Texas warn that more cases could emerge. Lubbock’s first identified case was in an unvaccinated child who contracted measles in an emergency room.
“When you see it in real life, you realize how contagious it is,” said Katherine Wells, director of the Lubbock Health Department. “An entire household gets sick so quickly. Whole families are getting sick with measles.”
Governor Greg Abbott’s office confirmed that the state is in regular communication with health authorities and has deployed vaccination teams to affected areas.
Meanwhile, a new measles case was reported in Rockwall County, east of Dallas. This case is unrelated to the West Texas outbreak and involved a person who had traveled internationally.
