A Texan child has tragically died from complications related to the highly transmissible measles virus, marking what appears to be the third fatality connected to the ongoing outbreak in western Texas. This young school-aged victim was unvaccinated and had no pre-existing health issues, underscoring the severity of the disease and complications it can lead to, particularly for the unvaccinated, as reported by Aaron Davis, the Vice President of UMC Health System.
Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., who has faced criticism over his response to the escalating outbreak, is reportedly scheduled to visit Texas shortly after the child’s death. The state has witnessed a sharp increase in measles cases, jumping to over 480 as of last week from 420 early in the week. It’s feared that the outbreak may have already extended beyond Texas into neighboring areas.
“The death of this child emphasizes how crucial vaccination is,” stated Mr. Davis. Measles is known for its contagious nature and potential to result in severe health consequences, especially for individuals who have not been vaccinated.
An eight-year-old girl was confirmed to have succumbed early Thursday to “measles pulmonary failure,” according to initial reports by the New York Times. February saw the first measles-related child death in the US in over ten years, involving a six-year-old girl from the Mennonite community in the same area, who was also unvaccinated. Additionally, an unvaccinated man from New Mexico died after contracting the virus, although his cause of death remains under investigation.
The alarming rise in measles cases this year, with over 600 reported, underscores the challenge faced by public health authorities, with a significant proportion of these cases connected to the initial Texas outbreak. Cases in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas may also be linked to this event, according to public health experts.
The vast majority of these cases have involved people who have not been vaccinated. Measles can cause a range of symptoms including fever, rash, and cough and is associated with serious complications like pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and can be fatal.
Although measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, the increasing anti-vaccination sentiment over the years has contributed to growing outbreaks. Immunization offers up to 97% protection against the virus with two doses to prevent infection and to minimize severe outcomes. Herd immunity, achieved when a significant portion of the population is immunized—about 95%—helps to protect the unvaccinated by limiting the spread of the disease.
The origins of the outbreak are traced back to a religious community with strong objections to vaccines. Despite efforts to increase vaccination rates, local health authorities have reported limited success. Moreover, Kennedy’s response to the escalating outbreak initially downplayed its severity but shifted following the first child’s death. Still, his advocacy for parental consultation with doctors regarding vaccinations rather than directly recommending them has been critiqued by health experts.
Additionally, Kennedy’s promotion of Vitamin A as a treatment for measles has raised concern. Vitamin A is recommended only in specific cases, and under the supervision of healthcare professionals, as improper usage can lead to toxicity. Covenant’s Children’s Hospital in Lubbock has treated several children for Vitamin A toxicity in this context, further complicating the public health crisis.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg2xyyj9w5o
