Texas child’s death marks first U.S. measles fatality in a decade as outbreak expands

A child in West Texas has died of measles, marking the first reported U.S. death from the highly contagious disease in a decade, as a measles outbreak in Texas has now surpassed 130 confirmed cases across two states.

According to the Texas Health Department, the unvaccinated child died overnight in a children’s hospital in Lubbock, where healthcare providers have been overwhelmed by the sudden surge in cases. “We have had so many kids coming in, and obviously we were not prepared, probably, so early in what we are seeing to have a death,” said Amy Thompson, CEO of Covenant Children's Hospital in Lubbock, during a press briefing.

The outbreak, which began in early February in West Texas, has predominantly affected children and teenagers, with health officials reporting that 124 cases have been confirmed in the region - with all but five patients unvaccinated. An additional nine cases were recently reported in eastern New Mexico near the Texas border, raising concerns about the spread of the virus.

Symptoms observed in patients include high fever, red watery eyes, nasal congestion, cough, and a rash that typically begins on the face. Treatment at Lubbock hospital has involved supplemental oxygen, high-flow oxygen therapy, fever-reducing medications, and IV fluids.

During a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr initially stated that two people had died in the outbreak; however, his Department of Health and Human Services later clarified that only one death had been confirmed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the U.S. death rate for measles is typically 1 to 3 deaths per 1,000 reported cases - the last U.S. measles fatality having occurred in 2015.

With 18 patients currently hospitalized, state health officials warn that additional cases are likely as the virus, known for its rapid transmission, continues to spread. New Mexico’s health department has issued a caution that further infections are expected in the coming weeks.

As public health officials ramp up efforts to contain the outbreak, local authorities in Lubbock and surrounding regions have intensified vaccination campaigns, promoting the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine at free clinics and through public service announcements. The outbreak has renewed calls for higher vaccination rates amid growing concerns that pockets of under-vaccinated communities could pave the way for further resurgences of the disease.

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