A young child in Texas has died from complications linked to measles, marking another tragic milestone in what has become the worst measles outbreak in the United States in years.
“We are deeply saddened to report that a school-aged child who was recently diagnosed with measles has passed away,” said Aaron Davis, vice president of UMC Health System, in a statement to AFP. The child had no known underlying health conditions and was unvaccinated against measles, he added.
This is the second child fatality reported in Texas this year, and one of several measles-related deaths nationwide, including a recent adult case in New Mexico. According to the CDC, this is the first time in nearly a decade that the U.S. has recorded multiple fatalities from measles in a single year.
Over 640 Cases Across 22 States
U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed that, as of Sunday, there were 642 confirmed measles cases across 22 states, with 499 reported in Texas alone. He emphasized on X (formerly Twitter) that “the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine.” Kennedy also stated that both HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are actively assisting with vaccine distribution in Texas.
Despite Kennedy’s past anti-vaccine statements, his current messaging aligns with public health guidance, reflecting a more urgent tone as the outbreak worsens. He also traveled to Texas to personally comfort the child’s grieving family.
President Donald Trump, when asked about the crisis aboard Air Force One, said the number of cases is still “fairly small” relative to the population, but added, “if it progresses, we’ll have to take action very strongly,” without elaborating.
CDC Data: Vast Majority Unvaccinated
The CDC has tracked cases in states ranging from Alaska to Florida, with New York City also reporting infections. According to its latest update:
- 97% of measles cases involved unvaccinated individuals
- 196 cases were in children under age five
- 240 cases were among those aged 5–19
- 159 cases involved adults 20 or older
- Six official outbreaks have been recorded in 2025 so far, accounting for 93% of all confirmed cases
In 2024, the CDC reported 16 outbreaks and 285 total cases, with 69% tied to those clusters. The rapid escalation this year is raising alarm among medical professionals and public health officials alike.
“This Underscores the Importance of Vaccination”
Health experts are stressing the critical role of immunization in preventing further deaths and containing the virus.
“This unfortunate event underscores the importance of vaccination,” said Davis of UMC Health System. “We encourage all individuals to stay current with their vaccinations to protect themselves and the broader community.”
The CDC and HHS continue to recommend that all children receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine — the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years — to ensure maximum protection.
