Measles Outbreak in West Texas
A second school-aged child in West Texas has died from a measles-related illness, as the outbreak continues to spread. The unvaccinated child was receiving treatment for complications of measles while hospitalized. Measles cases have increased in Texas and nationwide, with concerns about losing the status of eliminating the disease in the U.S.
Key Points
- Second child dies from measles in West Texas
- Measles cases rise in Texas and across the U.S.
- Concerns about losing the status of eliminating measles in the U.S.
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivers a mixed message on vaccination
Pros
- Increasing awareness about the importance of vaccination
- Prompting response from health authorities to contain the outbreak
Cons
- Loss of lives, especially among unvaccinated individuals
- Risk of measles outbreak spreading to more states