03/01/2025
An unvaccinated school-age child has died from measles in West Texas, according to Texas health officials. AAP President Susan Kressly said, “As a pediatrician, I am heartbroken to learn that a child has died from measles. This is a tragic and devastating loss, and our thoughts are with the family and community affected. One death from a preventable disease is one too many.” The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine protects children from serious illness. However, when immunization rates drop in a community, measles can spread and put children at risk.
“No parent should have to experience the loss of a child to a preventable disease. Vaccines save lives. Pediatricians are here to talk with families about their child's health, including how they can access vaccines. We must support immunization programs so that children in every community get the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong,” said Dr. Kressly. Read AAP's full statement: https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/pediatrics2/2025/statement-from-aap-president-on-first-measles-death-in-texas/
