Another child has died from measles as an outbreak of the virus continues to swell in western Texas.
The unvaccinated school-aged child, who had no underlying health conditions, died in the hospital from measles pulmonary failure, the Texas Department of State Health Services said.
This is the third known measles-related death tied to this outbreak in the United States. One was another elementary school-aged child in Texas and the other was an adult in New Mexico; neither were vaccinated.
Also Read | WHO Warns That Global Health Funding Cuts Threaten Measles Vaccination Efforts
US President Donald Trump told reporters that if the outbreak progresses his administration will “have to take action very strongly.”
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who has been facing criticism over his handling of the outbreak, visited Texas on Sunday following the death. “My intention was to come down here quietly to console the families and to be with the community in their moment of grief,” Kennedy said in his statement, stated multiple reports.
The US had declared measles eliminated from the country in 2000. However, there has been a surge in the infections this year, with 607 measles cases reported across 21 states. Texas has by far been the hardest hit state with 481 cases. Experts and local health officials expect the outbreak to go on for several more months if not a year.
Measles is a respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours. Up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus if exposed, according to the CDC. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are safe and 97% effective in preventing infection. The first shot is recommended for children ages 12 to 15 months, and the second for ages 4 to 6 years.
