A school-aged child who was not vaccinated died from measles at a Lubbock hospital, according to a statement issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), as the state faces its largest outbreak in decades. It becomes the first such death since 2015. Authorities confirm at least 124 measles cases and 18 hospitalizations since the outbreak was first reported late last month in rural West Texas. A majority of cases involve unvaccinated people, most are children.
Health officials say two doses of the vaccine provide nearly 100% protection against measles. Texas Children’s Pediatrics Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sapna Singh says while vaccinated people can still get infected, “They are far less likely to have the complications. Their disease state is milder.” However, the vaccine is not recommended for people with weakened immune systems or those who are pregnant.
Measles is highly contagious. Doctor and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. of Louisiana tells the Louisiana Radio Network (LRN) that the outbreak is spreading. “The measles outbreak that started in West Texas and New Mexico has now moving [sic] across the I-10 and it’s now in San Antonio, which means it’s moving to us.” Cassidy urges people to be prepared by getting their measles vaccine. Symptoms of the disease include cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, fever and rash.
Louisiana Whooping Cough Outbreak
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, a preventable respiratory illness, is spreading among children in Louisiana. Manning Family Children’s Hospital Physician and Chief Dr. Mark Kline says numbers are way up, compared to 2023 when there were only around a dozen cases in the state. Dr. Kline tells the Louisiana Radio Network, “Last year the number went up to about a hundred and forty-four and already in 2025 we’re seeing a lot of cases, a few hospitalizations and I believe there’s been a couple of deaths statewide from whooping cough.”
Nearly 120 cases have been reported so far, and numbers are rising. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated children have been hospitalized, but Kline emphasizes that fully vaccinated children have a better chance of recovery. “We have [a] vaccine that’s very effective. It’s given to infants at two, four and six months of age and then again to toddlers at about 18 months of age.” Despite Louisiana’s surgeon general halting state vaccine promotion, Kline continues advocating for vaccinations to prevent severe cases in children and adults, especially for pregnant women
