The first measles death since 2015 has been reported in West Texas as the outbreak that began late last month continues to grow.
The death was “unvaccinated school-age children,” and was hospitalized last week by the Texas Department of Health I said Associated Press. Lubbock health officials also confirmed the death, but neither agency provided details to the outlet. Covenant Children's Hospital in Lubbock also did not respond to the outlet's request for comment by the time of publication.
Measles outbreaks occur in rural West Texas, with a total of 124 cases in nine counties so far. State health officials say it is the state's largest measles outbreak in nearly 30 years. Nine cases have also been reported in eastern New Mexico.
Measles warnings appear on the glass door when patients check in their appointment on February 24, 2025 in Odessa, Texas. (AP Photo/Gulio Cortez)
Andrew Mahallelis, a spokesman for Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R), said “the loss of a child is a tragedy,” and the governor and his wife are praying for “the family, their loved ones, and the entire Lubbock community.” Mahalelis said the governor's office is in “regular communication” with the health department, with epidemiologists and vaccination teams in the community. He added that there will be “daily updates and adjustment calls” with local health officials.
“The state will deploy all the resources it needs to ensure the safety and health of Texans,” Mahalelis said.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this was the first measles death in the United States since 2015.
“Measles cases were the worst in almost 30 years of 2019, with cases rising in 2024, including the outbreak in Chicago, which saw more than 60 illnesses,” the report said.
The outbreak is particularly widespread in the Mennonite community in West Texas, the report says. The area is very rural and dotted with small towns.
Most cases in the area are among people under the age of 18, according to data from the Texas Department of Health.
“Measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are safe and very effective in preventing infections and severe cases — is recommended for children aged 12-15 months in the first shot.
The vaccine series is needed for children entering kindergarten in public schools across the country, but the measles incident in western Texas is found in the “close and unbacterized” Mennonite community.
In Gaines County, which has 80 cases, 14% of K-12 children in last year opted out of at least one necessary vaccine, making it the county with one of the state's highest opt-out rates.
According to the CDC, nine out of 10 people susceptible to measles – this is a respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours, and can get it if exposed.
Reports show that most children who recover from measles will recover, but infections can cause dangerous complications such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain, blindness and death.
The CDC informed the outlet that the state health department is leading an investigation into the outbreak, but the area offers “technical assistance, laboratory support and vaccines as needed.”
There will be a press conference on the outbreak in Lubbock on Wednesday afternoon.
