In Lubbock, Texas, a tragic incident has occurred as a school-aged child has succumbed to measles, marking the first such death linked to this virus in the United States since 2015. The child had not been vaccinated and was hospitalized prior to passing away, as confirmed by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The Lubbock health authorities have also verified the death, although no further details are being shared at this time. Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock was unavailable for comment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have verified that this unfortunate event is the first measles-related death in the country in eight years. Currently, West Texas is grappling with a growing measles outbreak, the largest of its kind in the state in nearly three decades, affecting 124 individuals across nine counties. Additionally, nearby eastern New Mexico has reported nine cases.
In a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. noted that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is monitoring the situation, describing the outbreak as “not unusual.” However, specifics on federal support have not been disclosed.
Governor Greg Abbott has expressed condolences to the affected family, with his spokesman stating that the governor’s office remains in close contact with the state health department. They are actively deploying epidemiologists and vaccination teams to the region, ensuring regular updates and coordination with local health officials. The state is committing resources to safeguard the health of Texans.
Nationwide vaccination rates have experienced a decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving most states beneath the crucial 95% vaccination coverage in kindergartens needed to avert measles outbreaks. 2019 saw the worst year for measles cases in nearly 30 years, with another increase observed in 2024, including an outbreak in Chicago affecting over 60 people.
The epicenter of the West Texas outbreak is the Mennonite community, where close-knit interactions facilitate the spread. This community remains connected through shared activities such as work, church, and shopping, despite being geographically spread across oil-rich lands.
Data suggest most cases are among individuals under 18. Health officials recommend the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, known for its safety and efficacy, for children aged 12 to 15 months old, followed by a booster between ages 4 and 6. This vaccine is a mandatory requirement for public school kindergarten admissions nationwide.
The concentration of cases within the “close-knit, undervaccinated” Mennonite community, particularly among private religious school attendees or homeschooled children, remains a concern. Gaines County, where 80 cases have been recorded, exhibits a significant rate of vaccine opt-outs, with nearly 14% of K–12 students skipping at least one vaccine during the current school year.
Earlier this month, Kennedy announced a review panel examining the vaccine schedule for children aimed at preventing measles and other serious diseases.
Measles is a respiratory virus highly contagious in enclosed spaces, with a 90% transmission rate to susceptible individuals. While most recover, it can result in severe complications such as pneumonia, blindness, and even death.
The CDC is offering technical assistance, laboratory support, and vaccines as needed in West Texas, though the state remains the lead investigator in controlling the outbreak. A press briefing is slated for Lubbock later on Wednesday.
