Second Measles Death Reported in West Texas

LUBBOCK, TX — A second school-age child who was hospitalized in Lubbock with measles is the third measles-reported death in the U.S. this year.

The 8-year-old child died Thursday, April 3, according to state health officials. A spokesperson for UMC Health System in Lubbock confirmed the child was unvaccinated and being treated for measles complications.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traveled to West Texas on Sunday to meet with the families in Gaines County who had lost children.

Seminole, the county seat of Gaines County, has been viewed as the epicenter of the virus outbreak, which has spread among the Mennonite community there.

The World Health Organization said last week that cases in Mexico are linked to the Texas outbreak.

Kennedy has been criticized relentlessly by mainstream media for not having a better response to the outbreak, particularly because he has pointed out flaws in vaccine testing and potential links to autism associated with vaccines.

A CDC spokesperson called the decision to get vaccinated a “personal one” and encouraged people to talk with their doctor, saying people “should be informed about the potential risks and benefits associated with vaccines.