On February 27, 2025, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed the ongoing measles outbreak during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. His statements have raised concerns among health officials in Texas regarding the accuracy of his claims about the situation, particularly regarding reported deaths and hospitalization reasons.
- Measles outbreak in rural West Texas reported.
- One child confirmed dead from measles.
- Hospitalizations primarily for breathing issues.
- 124 cases reported since outbreak began.
- Vaccine hesitancy linked to rising cases.
- None hospitalized were vaccinated against measles.
Kennedy mentioned two deaths from the outbreak in West Texas; however, local officials dispute this claim, stating only one child has died. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also confirmed no additional fatalities related to this outbreak.
The measles outbreak in Texas has seen at least 124 reported cases since it began last month, with many experts indicating that these numbers may be underreported. Dr. Lara Johnson from Covenant Children’s Hospital clarified that patients were hospitalized due to respiratory issues associated with measles rather than for quarantine purposes, contradicting Kennedy’s assertion.
Key statistics from the outbreak include:
- 124 reported cases as of late February 2025.
- One child fatality confirmed by local authorities.
- No vaccinated individuals among those hospitalized or deceased.
Experts are increasingly concerned about vaccine hesitancy contributing to this rise in cases. In Gaines County, where the outbreak is centered, nearly 18% of students had vaccine exemptions last school year. This trend raises alarms given that measles can pose serious risks to children and pregnant women alike.
The current situation highlights significant public health challenges as officials work to manage this outbreak effectively while addressing misinformation surrounding vaccination efforts and disease prevention strategies.
