Anti-Vaccine Parents of Measles Victim Downplay Disease’s Severity

A Mennonite couple from rural Texas, whose 6-year-old daughter died from measles earlier this year, has spoken out against vaccination. Despite the tragic loss, they remain unconvinced about the importance of vaccinations.

The parents, who were interviewed by an anti-vaccine organization, believe their daughter’s death was not as severe as reported. They claimed she had a mild case of measles that her children recovered from with traditional treatments such as castor oil and inhaled steroids. The couple is part of a community that has been hit hard by the recent West Texas measles outbreak.

Covenant Children’s Hospital, where their daughter received treatment, released a statement saying its medical staff follows “evidence-based protocols” and makes decisions based on available knowledge. The hospital urged anyone with questions about measles to consult with their healthcare provider.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease that often leads to serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. As the outbreak continues, health experts stress the importance of vaccination to prevent its spread.

Source: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/20/texas-measles-family-gaines-county-death