Texas Reports First U.S. Measles Death in a Decade

A child in West Texas has died from measles, marking the first reported U.S. death from the disease in ten years. The outbreak, which began in a rural Mennonite community southwest of Lubbock, has grown to over 130 cases across Texas and New Mexico.

Measles Outbreak Expands in Texas

Texas health officials confirmed that an unvaccinated child was hospitalized at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock and died on Tuesday night. The outbreak has primarily affected children, with most cases reported among those under 18. Gaines County has recorded 80 cases, one of the highest vaccine exemption rates in Texas.

New Mexico health authorities reported nine additional cases near the Texas border. Health officials expect more infections as the virus spreads. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify measles as highly contagious, spreading quickly in unvaccinated communities.

Declining Vaccination Rates Contribute to Rising Cases

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 due to widespread vaccinations. However, declining vaccination rates have led to outbreaks. In 2024, the U.S. recorded 285 measles cases, a sharp rise from 59 cases in 2023. Texas has seen increased vaccine hesitancy, particularly in rural and religious communities.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine prevents 97% of infections with two doses. The CDC recommends the first dose at 12-15 months and the second between ages 4-6. Texas requires MMR vaccination for public school children, but exemptions remain common in private schools and homeschooling groups.

Hospitalizations and Health Risks

More than 20 patients have been hospitalized at Covenant Children’s Hospital, including some requiring intensive care. Dr. Amy Thompson, CEO of Covenant Health, emphasized the seriousness of the outbreak. “We urge parents to vaccinate their children to prevent severe complications,” Thompson said.

The CDC reports that measles complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, and, in rare cases, death. The U.S. death rate from measles is estimated at 1-3 per 1,000 reported cases.

Government Response

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) acknowledged the outbreak but downplayed its severity. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initially stated that two people had died. The Texas health department later corrected the report, confirming only one fatality.

Texas health officials have expanded vaccination programs, including free MMR vaccine clinics in Lubbock and San Antonio. Public health experts stress the need for higher vaccination rates to prevent further spread.

Investigations and International Links

Health officials are investigating the outbreak’s origin. Early reports suggest a link between the Texas outbreak and a measles strain currently circulating in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean region. No cases have been linked to the vaccine-derived strain.

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/measles-death-texas-1.7469010
• https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/first-us-measles-death-reported-west-texas-outbreak-affects-more-than-130-people-2025-02-26
• https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/person-dies-measles-west-texas-outbreak-rcna193812