In the wake of a rapidly escalating measles outbreak in Texas, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Seminole, the epicentre of the crisis, on Sunday. The visit came on the same day a funeral was held for the second child to die from measles-related complications—a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of declining vaccination rates.
Kennedy, once known for his anti-vaccine stance, posted on social media that he was in Gaines County to help “control the outbreak” and console grieving families. While he didn’t attend the nearby CDC news conference, he met with members of the local Mennonite community, where the virus has been spreading most aggressively.
The Outbreak: Nearly 500 Cases and Counting
As of early April, Texas has reported nearly 500 confirmed measles cases, with the outbreak extending into New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and even parts of Mexico. The second child, a previously healthy young patient, succumbed to measles pulmonary failure on Thursday, according to state health officials. Another elementary school-aged child in Texas and an adult in New Mexico also died earlier, all of whom were unvaccinated.
Despite historically strong messaging on immunizations, both the CDC and Texas health officials were criticized for not immediately updating their public records to include the latest fatality. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which is 97% effective after two doses, has been publicly endorsed again, even by Kennedy, as “the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles.”
CDC and FDA Call for Action
CDC incident manager Dr. Manisha Patel reiterated in a news briefing that parents should not delay seeking care if their child shows signs of measles. “Call your doctor and ensure you’re guided by a healthcare professional,” she said.
Former FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks, who resigned after clashing with Kennedy over vaccine policies, expressed outrage over the preventable deaths:
“This is the epitome of an absolute needless death. These kids should get vaccinated—that’s how you prevent people from dying of measles.”
Marks previously warned Congress that more deaths would occur if swift, science-based public health strategies weren’t enforced.
Misinformation and Vitamin A Misuse
Adding to concerns, misinformation around measles prevention has spread through online communities, with some parents turning to vitamin A supplements in place of vaccines. Pediatricians in Lubbock have treated children suffering from vitamin A toxicity, a result of misguided attempts to “naturally” fight the virus.
“These supplements should only be administered under medical supervision,” warned Dr. Lara Johnson of Covenant Children’s Hospital. “We’re seeing dangerous misuse in already vulnerable kids.”
Could the U.S. Lose Its Measles-Free Status?
With cases rising across the country and childhood vaccination rates in decline, health experts fear the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status, once achieved in 2000.
Measles is highly contagious—it can remain in the air for up to two hours, and 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to it will become infected. The first MMR shot is recommended for children between 12–15 months, followed by a second dose between 4–6 years.
A Call to Action: “Vaccinate Before It’s Too Late”
Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician and key supporter of Kennedy’s confirmation, issued a stark reminder on social media:
“Everyone should be vaccinated! There is no treatment for measles. No benefit to getting measles. Top health officials should say so unequivocally before another child dies.”
As the outbreak shows no signs of slowing, public health officials are urging families to talk to their doctors, get informed, and vaccinate—not only to protect their own children but to prevent a resurgence of deadly, preventable diseases across America.
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