A tragic second pediatric death from measles has been confirmed in Texas, marking the first fatalities from the disease in the United States in a decade. The outbreak has infected nearly 500 people in Texas alone since January, with six infants and toddlers at a day care center in Lubbock testing positive in the past two weeks. Over 56 people have been hospitalized in the area due to measles.
The Department of Health and Human Services is investigating the recent deaths, with some health officials linking it to pneumonia, a common complication of measles in young children. Nationally, there have been a total of 628 measles cases reported in at least 21 states and Washington, D.C. in 2025.
Health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination, stating that two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles infection. They are urging families to ensure their children are immunized, with the first dose typically given between 12 and 18 months and the second around age 5. During outbreaks, infants as young as 6 months old can receive the first dose.
With the outbreak spreading to multiple states, public health officials are urging vigilance and caution, as many cases may be going unreported due to lack of testing. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is expected to attend the funeral of the child who recently passed away in Texas.
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