A second child has died amid a rapidly escalating measles outbreak in the United States, with nearly 650 confirmed cases reported across multiple states, according to health officials. The latest fatality occurred in Texas, where a school-aged child succumbed to complications from measles while receiving treatment at UMC Health System in Lubbock. The child was unvaccinated and had no known underlying health conditions Ars Technica.
This marks the second pediatric death from measles in Texas in 2025. The first occurred in February, representing the first U.S. measles-related fatality in nearly a decade South China Morning Post. A third death, involving an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico, is also under investigation Reuters.
The outbreak is centered in the southwestern U.S., with Texas accounting for the majority of cases—over 540 across 22 counties. Many infections are concentrated within an undervaccinated Mennonite community in Gaines County AP News. Additional clusters have been identified in New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Ohio. Genetic testing has linked outbreaks in Kansas and New Mexico to the Texas cluster, suggesting regional spread AP News.
Health experts attribute the surge to declining vaccination rates, which have fallen below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity in most states. Only 11 states currently meet this benchmark Reuters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has dispatched teams to affected areas to assist with containment efforts. However, the federal response has been criticized for inconsistent messaging, particularly from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has made conflicting statements regarding vaccine safety and alternative treatments Reuters.
Medical professionals emphasize that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective protection against measles. One dose provides over 93% immunity, while two doses increase protection to over 97% Axios. Despite this, misinformation continues to spread, with some promoting unproven and potentially harmful treatments like vitamin A overdoses and aerosolized steroids news.
In response to the outbreak, some parents are taking proactive measures. For instance, a Houston mother chose to vaccinate her six-month-old son earlier than the standard schedule due to concerns about the rising number of cases in Texas People.com.
The CDC warns that the outbreak could persist for up to a year in communities with low vaccination rates. Health officials urge the public to stay current with vaccinations to protect themselves and the broader community
