Unvaccinated Child Dies in Texas Measles Outbreak: First U.S. Death Since 2015

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — A child who was not vaccinated has died amid a significant measles outbreak in rural West Texas, state officials confirmed Wednesday. This marks the first U.S. death from the highly contagious but preventable respiratory disease since 2015.

The school-aged child had been hospitalized and succumbed to measles complications Tuesday night. The outbreak, which began last month, has already resulted in 124 cases across nine counties in Texas. The Texas Department of State Health Services and Lubbock health officials reported the child’s death to The Associated Press; however, the child was treated at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock and did not reside in Lubbock County.

“This is a big deal,” said Dr. Amy Thompson, a pediatrician and CEO of Covenant Health, during a press conference. “We have known that we have measles in our community, and we are now seeing a very serious consequence.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, noted the outbreak during his press briefing, asserting it was “not unusual” but faced backlash for inaccurately describing the situation, including the claim that most hospitalized patients were there solely for “quarantine.” Dr. Lara Johnson, the chief medical officer at Covenant, disputed Kennedy’s characterization. “We don’t hospitalize patients for quarantine purposes,” she stated.

After clarification from a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, it became clear that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified only one death associated with the outbreak.

The federal government is providing vaccines and technical support in West Texas, but the state health department is leading the response. The outbreak’s epicenter is in rural oil-rig areas, predominantly affecting communities with low vaccination rates, particularly in Gaines County, which reported 80 cases. The state health data reveals that nearly 14% of school-aged children in Texas opted out of at least one required vaccine last year.

Since the outbreak’s onset, more than 20 measles patients have been admitted to Covenant Children’s Hospital, with some developing severe complications, including bacterial pneumonia. “Unfortunately, like so many viruses, there aren’t any specific treatments for measles,” Johnson said. “What we’re doing is providing supportive care, helping support the patients as they hopefully recover.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has stated that his office is working closely with health agencies to address the outbreak, assuring that vaccination teams have been deployed in the affected areas. “The state will deploy all necessary resources to ensure the safety and health of Texans,” Abbott’s spokesman confirmed.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose between ages 4 and 6. Most individuals recover from measles, but complications can be serious, sometimes leading to death.

Vaccination rates have been on the decline, which public health experts cite as a significant factor contributing to the outbreak’s resurgence. “Having two doses of the measles vaccine confers 97% lifetime immunity,” Dr. Johnson emphasized. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the virus’s spread.

The U.S. had previously declared measles eliminated in 2000, but the current outbreak highlights the ongoing challenges communities face. Experts warn that growing vaccine skepticism tied to misinformation poses a serious risk for public health.

The CDC continues to monitor the situation, offering updates, while state and local health departments manage response efforts. As the outbreak evolves, officials are urging all eligible individuals to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles.