Measles outbreak in the U.S. results in two deaths
A rapidly growing measles outbreak in Texas has resulted in two deaths, marking the first measles-related fatalities in the United States in nearly a decade, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Wednesday. One of the victims was an unvaccinated child who passed away at a Texas hospital after being diagnosed with measles, as confirmed by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Information about the second victim has not been released.
The outbreak, which began in early January, has escalated significantly, with Texas officials confirming 124 cases as of Tuesday, an increase from 90 reported cases just days earlier. The majority of cases, 101, involve patients aged 17 and younger. Although measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, outbreaks have re-emerged in recent years, largely attributed to declining vaccination rates. The last confirmed U.S. measles fatality occurred in 2015, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
The current outbreak is primarily concentrated in northwestern Texas, but cases have also been identified in New Mexico, Alaska, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New York City, and Rhode Island, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). New Mexico has confirmed nine measles cases, with four involving children. Kennedy, who has previously voiced doubts about vaccines, recognized that measles outbreaks are not uncommon and highlighted that the U.S. has already experienced four separate outbreaks this year. He assured the public that his department is closely monitoring the situation.
Measles can cause severe complications, particularly in young children and pregnant women, including pneumonia, neurological damage, hearing loss, and even death. Survivors remain at risk of developing a rare but fatal brain disorder known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
Concerned by the outbreak’s rapid spread, New Mexico’s congressional delegation has called on Kennedy to take immediate action. In a letter sent Monday, state lawmakers urged him to launch a vaccination awareness campaign and reinstate recently fired federal health workers, warning that recent CDC staff cuts could worsen outbreaks and threaten public health. The letter specifically noted that two dozen CDC employees responsible for outbreak response efforts and public laboratory training were recently dismissed, raising concerns about the nation’s preparedness for future health emergencies.
To address the crisis, impacted regions are setting up free vaccination clinics. The city of Lubbock, where the child victim died, is hosting extended clinics throughout the week to encourage immunization.
As cases continue to rise, public health officials urge families to ensure they are vaccinated to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasized that measles was once rare in the U.S. but is now re-emerging in areas where vaccination rates have fallen.
Most children who contract measles are either not up to date on their vaccinations or too young to receive the vaccine. With cases increasing and concerns growing, health experts stress the urgency of vaccination efforts to curb the spread of the outbreak.