Tragic Loss: Unvaccinated Child Dies in Texas Measles Outbreak – What This Means for Your Family

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — A child unvaccinated against measles has died in West Texas. This marks the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015 and is part of an outbreak that started late last month.

The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed that this school-aged child was hospitalized before passing away. Local health officials in Lubbock have also confirmed the tragic news, but details remain scarce. A news conference was planned for later to share more information.

The measles outbreak has reached 124 cases across nine counties in Texas, marking the state’s largest outbreak in almost 30 years. There are also nine cases reported in eastern New Mexico.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that this is the first measles-related death in the U.S. in nearly eight years. In 2019, the U.S. experienced its worst measles outbreak in decades, and recent data shows rising cases in 2024, including one outbreak in Chicago affecting over 60 individuals.

The outbreak is primarily affecting the Mennonite community in West Texas. This close-knit group often travels between small towns for work, church, and shopping, which helps spread the virus.

Most of those infected are under 18. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is known for being safe and effective, and is usually given to children between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Vaccination is required for kids entering kindergarten in public schools. Unfortunately, in the Mennonite community, there is a significant number of families who choose not to vaccinate, particularly those in private schools or homeschooling.

In Gaines County, which has reported 80 cases, nearly 14% of school-aged children have opted out of at least one vaccine for the 2023-24 school year. This is one of the highest rates in Texas.

Recently, new federal health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that a panel will review the vaccine schedule for children. Measles is a highly contagious virus; it can stay in the air for up to two hours. If someone unvaccinated is exposed, about 90% may contract the virus.

While many children recover from measles, serious complications can arise, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death. The CDC is providing crucial support and vaccines to West Texas while the state health department leads the response to the outbreak.