U.S. Health Secretary Kennedy Visits Texas Amid Worsening Measles Crisis

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traveled to Gaines County, Texas on Sunday. He met families mourning two children who died from measles. His visit happened on the same day as the second child’s funeral.

Kennedy shared on social media that he aimed to “control the outbreak.” He also said he wanted to support the Mennonite community, where the virus has spread quickly. Although he stood outside the Mennonite church during the funeral, he did not attend the nearby CDC press conference.

Measles Outbreak Expands Beyond Texas

The outbreak began in late January in Seminole. Since then, measles has infected about 500 people in Texas. Officials believe it has also spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Mexico.

On Sunday, the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the second child’s death. The child died on Thursday from “measles pulmonary failure.” Doctors said the child had no previous health problems.

Aaron Davis, a spokesperson for UMC Health System, confirmed the child had received treatment for measles complications. This is now the third measles-related death in the outbreak. The other deaths include another child in Texas and an adult in New Mexico. Authorities are still investigating the adult’s cause of death.

Kennedy Changes Stance on Vaccination

Kennedy, previously a strong critic of vaccines, had not urged vaccination during the outbreak. But on Sunday, he changed course. He stated on X that vaccination is “the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles.”

He met both grieving families and wrote, “I developed bonds” with the local community.

CDC Recommends Vaccination

Dr. Manisha Patel, who leads the CDC’s response, highlighted the need for the MMR vaccine. “It is the best way to protect against measles,” she said during Sunday’s press briefing. She also urged parents to talk with their doctors for guidance.

The MMR vaccine has a long history of safety. Two doses provide 97% protection against measles.

Health Reports Omit Child’s Death

CDC teams arrived in the area in early March. However, Kennedy later claimed that CDC staff were “redeployed.” The CDC had not shared this information publicly.

Additionally, neither the CDC nor Texas health officials mentioned the second child’s death in their Friday updates. They only confirmed it on Sunday when reporters asked.

Texas Cases and Hospitalizations Rise

Between March 28 and April 4, Texas reported 81 new measles cases. Sixteen patients needed hospital care. Nationwide, the U.S. has already recorded more cases this year than in all of 2024.

Senator Demands Government Response

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, criticized federal inaction. He posted on X, “Everyone should be vaccinated! There is no treatment for measles. No benefit to getting measles.”

He also called Kennedy to testify before his committee on Thursday. Kennedy has not confirmed if he will appear.

CDC Adjusts Vaccine Messaging

A CDC spokesperson praised the vaccine’s effectiveness but avoided urging vaccination. Instead, they called it a “personal decision” and encouraged people to speak with doctors. They said, “People should be informed about the potential risks and benefits associated with vaccines.”

Misinformation Hurts Public Health

Misinformation about measles has worsened the crisis. Kennedy and others promoted vitamin A as a solution. But doctors warn that vitamin A should only be used with medical supervision. High doses can damage the liver.

In Lubbock, doctors at Covenant Children’s Hospital treated fewer than 10 children for liver damage caused by excessive vitamin A. None of these children had received full vaccinations. Dr. Lara Johnson said families gave vitamin A in hopes of preventing or treating measles.

FDA Expert Blames Kennedy’s Messaging

Dr. Peter Marks, former head of the FDA’s vaccine division, placed blame on Kennedy’s team. “This is the epitome of an absolute needless death,” he told the Associated Press. “These kids should get vaccinated — that’s how you prevent people from dying of measles.”

Marks said he had already warned senators that more deaths could occur without quick action.

Outbreak Could Last for Months

Health officials expect the outbreak to continue for months. It may even last a year. Most cases involve unvaccinated children under 17 in West Texas. As cases rise and vaccination rates fall, experts fear measles could once again become widespread in the U.S.

Measles Spreads Fast and Easily

Measles is a contagious respiratory virus. It can remain in the air for up to two hours. According to the CDC, 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will get infected.

The CDC advises parents to give the first MMR shot to children between 12 and 15 months. The second shot should follow between ages 4 and 6.