Texas has confirmed its second pediatric measles death in the middle of an outbreak that’s already infected nearly 500 people in the state and more than 600 nationwide. An adult in New Mexico is also suspected of dying from the virus. These are the first U.S. measles deaths in a decade—because apparently we’re determined to party like it’s 1955.
In true circus fashion, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—yes, the anti-vaccine guy now in charge of national health policy—is expected to attend the funeral. Nothing says “respect” like showing up to mourn a child who died of a disease you’ve spent years telling people not to vaccinate against.
Meanwhile, the outbreak isn’t slowing down. A Lubbock daycare center has seen six infections in infants and toddlers. Fifty-six people have been hospitalized in the area since January. Health officials keep pointing out that two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, but somehow that still isn’t convincing enough for some parents.
Another preventable death, another round of “thoughts and prayers.” But sure, let’s keep pretending this is about “medical freedom” and not kids in coffins.
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/second-measles-death-texas-child-kennedy-rcna199882
