A second child died of measles as a hearth of a highly contagious virus continues to grow in Western Texas.
The school at school was not vaccinated, had no major health conditions and is in a hospital suffering from measles complications, Vice President of the UMC Health System told BBC Aaron Davis.
Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr., who encountered the reverse reaction because of his work with the fire, visited Texas on Sunday after his death.
The state reported more than 480 measles cases this year since Friday, a jump of 420 earlier during the week. The outbreak has expanded to neighboring countries.
“This unfortunate event emphasizes the importance of vaccination,” says G -n Davis in a statement. “Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, especially for those who are not vaccinated.”
The child – an eight -year -old girl – died early Thursday.
The BBC has contacted the State Health Department and the US Department of Health and Human Services for comment. Both agencies did not list the death in the number of cases on Friday.
In a statement, Kennedy confirmed the girl's death.
“My intention was to get off here quietly to comfort families and be with the community at the moment of grief,” he said in the statement.
He also said he was committed to employees there to “support Texas employees and to learn how our HHS agencies can better partner with them to control measles outbreak.” Kennedy said he had a team – as he did in March – to help spread vaccines, medicines and other supplies, among other maintenance services.
“The most effective way to prevent measles spread is the MMR vaccine,” Kennedy wrote.
In February, an unvaccinated six -year -old girl in the local menonite community was the first child to die of measles in the United States after a decade. In March, an unvaccinated man died in New Mexico after infection with the virus, although the cause of his death is still being investigated.
The United States has recorded more than 600 measles cases this year, much related to the epidemic that began in Western Texas. Cases in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas are probably related to the original hearth, say public health experts.
Almost all cases are in unvaccinated people.
The virus – which can cause fever, red rash, cough and other symptoms – is associated with many complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling and death.
The United States announced measles eliminated from the country in 2000, but outbreaks have been growing since an increase in anti-vaxine sentiment.
Two shots of immunization – proven safe – are 97% effective in preventing the virus and reducing severe infections. In order to achieve immunity of the herd – when enough of the group is immunized against a disease, limiting its spread and protection of the unvaccinated – about 95% of the population must have shots.
The outbreak comes from a religious community that strongly rejects vaccines. Local health officials in Western Texas have told the BBC that they have observed limited progress in attempts to improve the vaccination rate.
Kennedy's early response to worsening foci was muted, drawing criticism from health experts.
Kennedy, a skeptic of the vaccine, initially described the situation as “not unusual”. He changed his tune after the death of the first child, but stopped recommending parents to vaccinate their children. Instead, they encouraged them to talk to their doctors about the shot.
On Sunday, the Senator was Cassidy, a Republican who represents Louisiana, called for more strong messages. Cassidi is also a doctor and has previously criticized Kennedy for his skeptical attitude towards vaccination.
“Everyone has to be vaccinated! There is no cure for measles. There is no benefit to getting measles,” writes Cassidi on the social media platform X. “Top health officials have to say so unambiguously b/4 another child dies.”
Kennedy also sometimes promotes vitamin A as a measles treatment, which doctors say should only be provided in certain cases under the guidance of a doctor.
In Lubbock, the Children's Hospital for the Pact has treated several children for toxicity to Vitamin A after being sent to the hospital for measles complications.