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The death of an unvaccinated child highlights growing vaccine hesitancy as a measles outbreak spreads across multiple states.

FILE -A sign is seen outside of Seminole Hospital District offering measles testing, Feb. 21, 2025, in Seminole, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez), File)
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivers remarks during a Cabinet meeting held by President Donald Trump at the White House on February 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Overview

  • A measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has resulted in over 150 cases, with 20 hospitalizations and the first U.S. measles death in a decade—a school-aged, unvaccinated child.
  • The outbreak has been linked to declining vaccination rates, with CDC data showing MMR vaccine coverage among kindergartners has dropped below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
  • Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known anti-vaccine activist, has faced criticism for his response, which experts say downplays the severity of the outbreak.
  • Measles, one of the most contagious viruses, can spread to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated close contacts and remains airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space.
  • The CDC has sent 2,000 vaccine doses to Texas, but public health experts warn that vaccine hesitancy could lead to the resurgence of other preventable diseases.