Sun Apr 06 21:52:00 UTC 2025: ## Second Unvaccinated Child Dies From Measles in Texas, Sparking Outrage and Calls for Stronger Vaccination Messaging
**Lubbock, Texas –** A second unvaccinated school-aged child has died from measles in West Texas, fueling a growing public health crisis and prompting sharp criticism of anti-vaccine rhetoric. The death, confirmed Sunday, April 6th, comes just two months into a major outbreak that has spread to four states and Mexico, sickening nearly 570 people.
The child, who had no underlying health conditions, died Thursday of measles pulmonary failure, according to the Texas State Department of State Health Services. This is the second measles-related death in the U.S. this year, following a similar fatality in February and an adult death in New Mexico in March. The number of measles cases nationwide has more than doubled compared to the entirety of 2024.
The outbreak, concentrated in West Texas, is largely affecting unvaccinated individuals and children under 17. Health officials are concerned that the ongoing spread, coupled with declining childhood vaccination rates nationally, could jeopardize the U.S.’s measles elimination status. The CDC estimates that up to 90% of susceptible individuals will contract the virus upon exposure.
The situation has sparked widespread condemnation, particularly directed at Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known anti-vaccine activist. While Kennedy has issued a tepid endorsement of measles vaccination, his past statements casting doubt on vaccine safety are seen as contributing to the crisis. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican who voted to confirm Kennedy, has publicly called for stronger and unequivocal messaging from health officials urging vaccination.
Concerns have also been raised about misinformation regarding treatment, including the promotion of vitamin A supplements, despite warnings from doctors about potential toxicity. Doctors at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock have reported treating several children for vitamin A toxicity related to its use as a purported measles treatment.
Former FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks directly blamed Kennedy for the preventable deaths, stating that the administration needs to adopt a more aggressive response to the outbreak. Kennedy is scheduled to testify before the Senate health committee on Thursday and is launching a cross-country health tour this week.
Experts predict the outbreak could continue for months, if not a year. The CDC is assisting with the response on the ground in Texas. The tragic deaths highlight the urgent need for increased vaccination rates and a stronger public health campaign to counter misinformation surrounding this highly preventable disease.
First Piper 