US Health Secy Robert Kennedy arrives in Texas after second child dies due to measles

ANI April 7, 2025 105 views

US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy traveled to Texas to support families mourning children lost to the ongoing measles outbreak. The state has reported 481 cases, with two children dying after contracting the disease while unvaccinated. Kennedy emphasized the critical importance of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles transmission. His visit highlights the serious public health risks posed by declining vaccination rates and the need for community awareness.

"I came to Gaines County, Texas, today to comfort the Hildebrand family" - Robert F. Kennedy
Texas, April 7: US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy said he visited West Texas after a child, undergoing treatment for measles, died at a hospital. It marked the second death of a minor in Texas related to the ongoing outbreak, CNN reported.

Key Points

1

Measles outbreak reaches 481 confirmed cases in Texas

2

Two children have died from unvaccinated complications

3

Kennedy offers HHS support to local health officials

4

MMR vaccine recommended as primary prevention

In a post shared on X, Kennedy stated, "I came to Gaines County, Texas, today to comfort the Hildebrand family after the loss of their 8-year-old daughter Daisy. I got to know the family of 6-year-old Kayley Fehr after she passed away in February. I also developed bonds with and deep affection for other members of this community during that difficult time. My intention was to come down here quietly to console the families and to be with the community in their moment of grief."

According to an obituary, the latest victim's funeral was scheduled for Sunday, CNN reported. Kennedy said he is in Texas to support health officials and learn how United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies can better partner with them to control the measles outbreak. Kennedy said that he has spoken to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and offered HHS' continued support.

https://x.com/SecKennedy/status/1908967854394982414

As of Friday, Texas has reported 481 measles outbreak-related cases, according to the Texas Department of Health. In a statement to CNN, Aaron Davis, vice president of UMC Health System in Lubbock, Texas, said, "We are deeply saddened to report that a school-aged child who was recently diagnosed with measles has passed away. The child was receiving treatment for complications of measles while hospitalized."

He further stated, "It is important to note that the child was not vaccinated against measles and had no known underlying health conditions."

Kennedy said the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to stop the spread of measles. A Trump administration official said that the child's cause of death is "still being looked at," CNN reported, citing The New York Times.

Reader Comments

M
Maria S.
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 As a mother myself, I can't imagine what these families are going through. We need to have more education about vaccines - they save lives!
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James T.
While I appreciate Secretary Kennedy visiting the families, I wish there was more proactive action being taken before these tragedies occur. The vaccination rates in some Texas counties are alarmingly low.
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Aisha K.
Measles was practically eradicated in the US. How did we get here? My heart goes out to these families. No child should die from a preventable disease in 2024.
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David P.
I'm glad to see federal and state officials working together on this. But we need more than condolences - we need vaccination drives, public awareness campaigns, and better healthcare access in rural areas.
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Sophie L.
As a nurse in Texas, I've seen firsthand how vaccine misinformation spreads. These deaths are preventable. Please talk to your doctors and get your kids vaccinated - it's not worth the risk.
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Tom R.
I respect Secretary Kennedy for showing up personally. Sometimes leadership is about being present in people's darkest moments. But now let's see the policy follow-through.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Measles Outbreak Robert Kennedy Texas Health Child Vaccination Public Health Emergency
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