Texas Measles Outbreak Claims Life of 8-Year-Old Girl as Cases Rise

A confirmed report from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) indicates that an 8-year-old unvaccinated girl has died from “measles pulmonary failure,” marking the second child to succumb to the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas. Officials reported that the child passed away on Thursday morning.

Reports from national media indicate that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is anticipated to be present at the child's funeral on Sunday.

This heartbreaking loss comes on the heels of another pediatric death reported in late February, involving an unvaccinated school-aged child who had no known health issues and succumbed to complications from measles. Furthermore, there is a suspicion that an adult in New Mexico has succumbed to the virus, although official confirmation is still awaited.

As of the latest update on Friday, Texas has documented 481 cases of measles in the current outbreak. Lubbock has reported a total of 33 cases, which includes at least six children from a local daycare who have tested positive.

Measles is an extremely contagious airborne virus that can remain in the air for hours following the cough or sneeze of an infected individual. Health experts caution that symptoms usually start with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, which are then followed by a spreading rash. The virus may lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death, particularly among young, unvaccinated, or immunocompromised individuals.

Officials highlighted that it takes 14 days for measles vaccination to provide full immunity, urging the public to take swift action to safeguard themselves and vulnerable members of the community.

To find out where to get a measles vaccine on the South Plains, please visit the DSHS website or reach out to your local health department.

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