A tragic incident has occurred in Texas, as officials have confirmed the first death from measles in the current outbreak in West Texas. The victim was a school-aged child who had not been vaccinated against the disease. The gender and previous health status of the child have not been disclosed. The child was hospitalized in Lubbock, where they ultimately succumbed to the illness. This marks the first measles-related death in the country since 2015.
The outbreak in Texas has now grown to 124 confirmed cases across nine counties, with an additional nine cases reported in New Mexico. The total number of hospitalizations in the state due to measles has reached 18. The severity of the outbreak may be greater than reported, as the death rate from measles is approximately one fatality per 1,000 cases, according to infectious diseases expert Paul Offit.
The timing of this tragic event coincides with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent appointment as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has been a vocal critic of vaccine safety, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, despite scientific evidence disproving any link between the MMR vaccine and autism. His appointment has sparked concerns within the medical community regarding the potential impact on public health policies.
As of 2025, at least eight jurisdictions in the United States have reported measles cases, including Alaska, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island, and Texas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates their measles count website monthly, with the most recent data showing 93 cases nationwide. However, the Texas outbreak alone surpasses this number, highlighting the urgency of addressing the spread of measles.
STAT has reached out to the CDC for further comment on the situation in Texas. The tragic death of the child underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting vulnerable populations. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of misinformation and vaccine hesitancy in public health.
