U.S. Records First Measles Death in a Decade Amid Texas Outbreak

The death of an unvaccinated child highlights growing vaccine hesitancy as a measles outbreak spreads across multiple states.

A measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has resulted in over 150 cases, with 20 hospitalizations and the first U.S. measles death in a decade—a school-aged, unvaccinated child.
The outbreak has been linked to declining vaccination rates, with CDC data showing MMR vaccine coverage among kindergartners has dropped below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known anti-vaccine activist, has faced criticism for his response, which experts say downplays the severity of the outbreak.
Measles, one of the most contagious viruses, can spread to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated close contacts and remains airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space.
The CDC has sent 2,000 vaccine doses to Texas, but public health experts warn that vaccine hesitancy could lead to the resurgence of other preventable diseases.