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A second child has died from measles in Texas, as the fast-moving outbreak continues to grow. The young girl, who was of school age, had not received the measles vaccine. She also had no known health problems before becoming infected, according to Aaron Davis of UMC Health System. Davis confirmed she died in the hospital due to serious complications from the virus.

This is the third death linked to the outbreak, which has now spread beyond western Texas into nearby states. The growing number of infections and the latest fatality have alarmed doctors and public health experts.

“This tragedy should remind everyone that measles is not just a harmless childhood illness,” Davis said. “It can lead to deadly complications, especially in unvaccinated children.”

Outbreak Expands, Death Toll Rises

Texas has recorded more than 480 measles cases so far this year, up from 420 earlier in the same week. Across the United States, over 600 people have become infected—more than double the total number of cases in 2023. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is the highest number of measles cases since 2019, when the U.S. saw 1,274 cases.

The virus, which spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, is one of the most contagious diseases known. Most of this year’s cases involve people who were never vaccinated.

In February, a six-year-old girl from the local Mennonite community in Texas was the first child to die from measles in the state in over a decade. She had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In March, a man from New Mexico also died, although his cause of death is still under review.

Health Officials Urge Vaccination

Health leaders across the country are calling for immediate action to stop the spread. They stress that vaccination is the best way to protect against measles and prevent further deaths.

Aaron Davis said the eight-year-old girl’s death was “entirely avoidable” and urged parents to get their children vaccinated. Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer 97% protection from the disease. Experts say about 95% of a community needs to be vaccinated to stop outbreaks through herd immunity.

Despite this, some religious groups in Texas continue to oppose vaccination. State health officials believe the outbreak started within one of these communities. They say efforts to increase vaccination rates in these areas have been slow and difficult.

“This isn’t just a local issue anymore,” said Dr. Hannah Moore, a public health researcher. “We are now seeing cases in other states. Without strong vaccination efforts, this can quickly turn into a national crisis.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Faces Criticism Over Response

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Texas on Sunday following news of the second child’s death. He offered condolences to the family and spoke with local health officials. Kennedy said he had come quietly to support the grieving community and check on efforts to control the outbreak.

He also posted a statement online calling the outbreak “serious” and noted that the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to stop it. However, critics argue that Kennedy’s response came too late.

In February, Kennedy downplayed the situation and called the outbreak “not unusual.” At the time, he stopped short of encouraging families to vaccinate. Instead, he suggested that people should “talk to their doctors” about vaccines. Since then, pressure has grown for him to give clear support to immunization.

Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana, who is also a physician, posted a strong message on social media platform X.

“There is no cure for measles. There is only prevention—and that means getting vaccinated,” Cassidy said. “Health leaders must speak clearly. There is no room for vaccine skepticism when lives are at stake.”

Misinformation Spreads Harmful Ideas

Kennedy has also been criticized for promoting unproven treatments. In some public statements, he mentioned Vitamin A as a possible remedy for measles. But doctors warn that Vitamin A should only be used in certain cases and always under medical guidance.

Hospitals in Texas have reported children becoming ill from taking too much Vitamin A. At Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, doctors treated several children for Vitamin A overdose. These cases happened after families gave high doses in response to measles-related symptoms.

“It’s dangerous when people turn to untested treatments,” said Dr. Lisa Nguyen, a pediatric specialist. “We want to keep kids safe, and that starts with vaccines—not with internet cures.”

Understanding Measles and the Vaccine

Measles symptoms often start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A rash follows, spreading across the body. In some cases, the disease can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.

The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000 thanks to widespread use of the MMR vaccine. But in recent years, growing anti-vaccine sentiment has led to falling vaccination rates in some communities, making new outbreaks more likely.

Doctors and public health experts continue to urge families to trust science and choose vaccines.

“Measles is preventable,” said Dr. Nguyen. “We must work together to protect every child in every town.”

The death of a second child in Texas from measles is a painful reminder of how dangerous this virus can be. As the outbreak spreads, health leaders stress that vaccines are the best line of defense. The MMR shot has been used safely for decades and saves lives.

Despite political controversy and misinformation, experts agree: vaccination is key to ending this crisis.