A tragic incident occurred in West Texas as a second unvaccinated school-aged child succumbed to a measles-related illness, confirming the severity of the ongoing outbreak. The child, who did not have any underlying health conditions, was receiving treatment for complications of measles at UMC Health System in Lubbock. The child passed away due to measles pulmonary failure, as confirmed by the Texas State Department of State Health Services.
This unfortunate event follows the first measles death in the U.S. in a decade, which occurred in February in Lubbock. Subsequently, an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico became the second measles-related death. The outbreak has spread beyond West Texas, affecting New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, sickening nearly 570 individuals. The World Health Organization also reported cases related to Texas in Mexico, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Amidst the outbreak, concerns have been raised about the dissemination of misinformation regarding measles prevention and treatment. Notably, there have been claims about the use of vitamin A supplements to treat measles, despite warnings from doctors about the potential dangers of excessive intake. Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock reported treating children for liver issues due to vitamin A toxicity, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical advice before using such remedies.
Health officials and experts are calling for stronger messaging on the importance of vaccination to prevent measles and avoid unnecessary deaths. Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy emphasized the need for unequivocal support for vaccination, stating that there is no treatment for measles and that everyone should be vaccinated. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective, with a 97% efficacy rate after two doses.
Dr. Peter Marks, the former vaccine chief of the Food and Drug Administration, attributed the recent death to the lack of vaccination and emphasized the critical role of vaccination in preventing measles-related fatalities. As the outbreak continues to escalate, health officials are urging the public to prioritize vaccination and seek accurate information from healthcare providers.
In light of the escalating crisis, a Make America Healthy Again tour is set to launch, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and public health measures. However, concerns remain about the prolonged duration of the outbreak, with experts anticipating several more months of cases if vaccination rates do not improve.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that poses a significant threat to unvaccinated individuals, especially children. With declining vaccination rates nationwide, the U.S. faces the risk of losing its status as a country that has eliminated measles. It is crucial for the public to prioritize vaccination and adhere to recommended immunization schedules to prevent further spread of this preventable disease.
