Texas Sees Second Child’s Death from Measles Amid Growing Outbreak

AUSTIN, Texas — A second child with measles has died in Texas, marking a significant development in a growing outbreak that has infected nearly 500 individuals since January. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the death late Saturday night, but the exact cause remains under investigation.

Health officials reported that this is the first instance of death linked to measles in the U.S. in a decade. A spokesperson indicated that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to attend the child’s funeral, scheduled for Sunday.

Since January, 481 cases of measles have been confirmed in Texas, with cases including six infants and toddlers from a daycare center in Lubbock who tested positive in the past two weeks. Two of these children were among 56 hospitalized due to the outbreak, which has also spread to at least two other states.

Approximately 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children infected with measles die from serious complications like respiratory and neurological issues, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, about 1 out of every 20 children with measles develops pneumonia, a common cause of death associated with the disease.

As of Friday, local health authorities noted a 14% increase in cases over the past week, substantiating ongoing concerns about vaccine hesitancy. Katherine Wells, the public health director in Lubbock, has emphasized the urgency of vaccinating children to prevent further infections. The CDC recommends that two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are safe and 97% effective in preventing measles. The first dose is generally administered between 12 and 18 months, with a second around age 5.

Nationally, at least 628 measles cases have been reported across 21 states and Washington, D.C., in 2023, as tracked by NBC News. This alarming figure highlights the growing challenge posed by vaccine skepticism, which has resulted in higher numbers of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals. Most health authorities are urging families to complete vaccinations to curb the outbreak.

The measles outbreak in Texas began in late January and has raised serious public health concerns. In light of the recent deaths, local and national health officials are mobilizing to increase awareness and advocacy for vaccination, particularly as the risk of spread remains significant.