Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged the measles outbreak in Texas that has claimed the life of a child, describing the situation as "not unusual" despite it being the first death in the U.S. from the disease in a decade.
RFK JR on Measles Outbreaks: It is not unusual. There are measles outbreaks every year. pic.twitter.com/8KZ7VSaSE5
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 26, 2025
"There have been four measles outbreaks this year... last year there were 16, so it's not unusual," Kennedy said at a cabinet meeting Wednesday, confirming that the outbreak has infected at least 124 people, primarily within an under-vaccinated Mennonite community in Gaines County.
While measles outbreaks have become increasingly common in the past several years as vaccine skepticism has contributed to lower rates of vaccination, the death—confirmed by Texas officials Wednesday—marks the nation's first measles-related fatality since 2015.
The victim, an "unvaccinated school-aged child," died in a Lubbock hospital after being hospitalized with the virus last week. Health authorities say 18 others have been hospitalized, with the outbreak marking the largest in Texas in nearly 30 years.
Medical experts warn that the highly contagious virus, which spreads through airborne droplets, can cause severe complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling. Pediatricians emphasize that the measles vaccine is 97% effective and urge parents to ensure their children are immunized.
With cases spreading in Texas and eastern New Mexico, doctors caution that the outbreak may worsen in the coming months, particularly among unvaccinated children.
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