Another child who contracted measles in Texas has died, the state Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Monday.
Hundreds of cases of the infectious disease have been reported in the state in recent weeks.
“It is important to note that the child was not vaccinated against measles and had no known underlying health conditions. This unfortunate event underscores the importance of vaccination. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, particularly for those who are unvaccinated.” a hospital spokesperson said.
According to the New York Times, the latest victim of the infection was an 8-year-old girl who died of “lung failure from measles.” It is the second confirmed measles death in the US in the past decade.
Texas health officials reported 59 new measles cases in three days. This figure is 15 per cent higher than last year. Meanwhile, the total number of cases nationwide was 285 in 2024.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added that 97% of Americans who became ill had not been vaccinated or could not confirm vaccination.
According to the CDC, one to three out of every 1,000 children infected with measles die from respiratory and neurological complications. And about one in every 20 children with measles develops pneumonia, which is the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
The outbreak, which began in Texas in late January, has since spread to at least two other states. In 2025, 628 measles cases have been reported in the US in at least 21 states and in Washington, DC. Experts estimate that number is likely a gross underestimate, given that many people are not tested for the virus.
Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont reposted a post on this issue on X:
“US measles outbreak: more than 600 cases, two children dead. A vaccine-preventable disease, preventable cases and deaths. And we’ll have to keep a close eye on the reaction of the new health officials in the US….”
