The school-age child died of measles complications in Texas, marking his second death in this year’s outbreak. The unidentified victim who died of lung injury was not vaccinated and had no prior health conditions, health officials said.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses that can cause serious complications, particularly in young children, and can be life-threatening.
“A school-age child who tested positive for measles was hospitalized in Lubbock and died on Thursday from what he described as a lung injury for measles. The child had not been vaccinated and no underlying conditions were reported.”
In the wake of the tragic death, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Texas’ South Plains area, the epicenter of the state’s measles outbreak. “My intention was to come quietly here to comfort my family and be with the community in moments of sadness,” he said in a post on X.
Kennedy Jr. is a prominent anti-vaccine advocate who has long called vaccinations a “personal choice” and faces keen criticism of his stance.
He has previously promoted the use of vitamin A and good nutrition as part of measles treatment. This is an approach that has been widely challenged by several health experts who warn that vaccinations should not be replaced while nutrition supports recovery. They also note that excessive use of vitamin A can lead to liver toxicity.
But in a surprising change on Sunday, Kennedy Jr. posted to X: “The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine.”
Texas health officials say two doses of MMR vaccines can prevent more than 97% of measles infections. Although a small number of vaccinated individuals still may develop measles, their symptoms are usually mild and are less likely to spread the disease to others.
One in five children infected during the outbreak go to the hospital, and one in 20 develops pneumonia. In rare cases, measles can cause swelling and death to the brain. This virus poses serious risks during pregnancy, including premature birth and low birth weight.
