A growing measles outbreak in Texas has reached 159 cases, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is partnering with the Texas Department of State Health Services to provide rapid response support.
Previously, the CDC had provided lab support and vaccines to help combat the outbreak. However, a recent update reported 22 hospitalizations, primarily in Gaines County, which has a large unvaccinated Mennonite population.
The latest victim was a school-age child who died from measles without underlying health conditions, marking the first US death since 2015 and the first in a child since 2003.
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited affected areas to provide medical aid. He emphasized supporting communities rather than dictating vaccination policies.
Kennedy highlighted vaccine recommendations for highly unvaccinated groups, but also acknowledged individual decision-making. The CDC’s stance on vaccines remains unchanged, focusing on community immunity benefits.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/04/health/measles-texas-cdc-rfk-response/index.html