A second child in the Southwestern United States has died from measles, which caused health complications. Authorities say nearly 650 people have been infected with the disease, most of whom were unvaccinated. The new incident comes from Texas, which reported its first measles-related death of a child in February, the first measles fatality in the US in nearly a decade. Cases are currently rising in various states, from Alaska to Florida.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said the most effective way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine. The CDC and his department are helping to distribute the vaccine in Texas, and are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities. According to the CDC, 97% of measles cases are in people who have not been vaccinated, putting them at higher risk of getting the disease.
The current outbreak is considered an important reminder to value vaccines. According to Aaron Davis of UMC Health System, they continue to spread awareness about the importance of being current on vaccines to prevent complications and protect the entire community.
