Immunization experts continue to advise Texans to get vaccinated and not worry as the measles toll spiked to almost 500 with a second death reported Sunday — but U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s arrival in Lubbock over the weekend signaled that the outbreak may be causing panic in the Lone Star State and prompting longtime anti-vaxxers to change their tune.
Both children who died after contracting measles were unvaccinated and lived in the South Plains region of West Texas where the outbreak began. Although the virus appears to be contained in a relatively small area, it has infiltrated Fort Bend and Harris counties. It also reopened a political debate about whether vaccinations are harmful. Kennedy, who was named health secretary in February, has been criticized for his anti-vax stance but in a social media post Sunday afternoon, Kennedy appeared supportive of the low-cost, Centers for Disease Control-recommended measles-mumps-rubella shot.
“I came to Gaines County, Texas, today to comfort the Hildebrand family after the loss of their 8-year-old daughter Daisy,” Kennedy wrote on his verified @SecKennedy X account.”I got to know the family of 6-year-old Kayley Fehr after she passed away in February. I also developed bonds with and deep affection for other members of this community during that difficult time … I am also here to support Texas health officials and to learn how our HHS agencies can better partner with them to control the measles outbreak, which as of today, there are 642 confirmed cases of measles across 22 states, 499 of those in Texas.
“The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine,” Kennedy continued. “I’ve spoken to Governor Abbott and I’ve offered HHS’ continued support. At his request, we have redeployed CDC teams to Texas.”
The health secretary still favors a natural treatment when he deems it appropriate, proclaiming cod liver oil with Vitamin A as a “near miraculous cure” for measles in late March. Health officials in West Texas claimed some unvaccinated children were given so much Vitamin A they had signs of liver damage. Late Sunday, Kennedy posted photos with the families of the deceased children and noted that during his trip to Texas he also “visited with these two extraordinary healers, Dr. Richard Bartlett and Dr. Ben Edwards who have treated and healed some 300 measles-stricken Mennonite children using aerosolized budesonide and clarithromycin.”
A spokesperson for the University Medical Center in Lubbock, where the 8-year-old child who died recently was hospitalized, released a statement Saturday reiterating the need for the MMR shot.
“This unfortunate event underscores the importance of vaccination,” the statement read. “We encourage all individuals to stay current with their vaccinations to help protect themselves and the broader community.”
Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, and Houston’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Persse have repeatedly emphasized the importance of vaccinations. Almost all adults who were born in the U.S. have either had measles and therefore are immune or they’ve had the vaccine, Persse said last week. However, in recent years since the COVID-19 pandemic, more families have been filing for religious exemptions so their kids don’t have to get the MMR vaccine to enter school.
Persse told the Press last week that Texans appear to be more concerned today about themselves rather than protecting others who may be in a vulnerable population from a potentially deadly virus.
“It’s such a complicated social science question,” he said. “I really don’t know how to do something more effective than what we’re doing today.”
A traveler who passed through William P. Hobby Airport late last month was infected with measles and was not vaccinated, officials with the Houston Health Department reported Saturday.
The individual was traveling from Mexico on March 30 and went from Hobby Airport’s Western Concourse to Customs, to baggage claim and through security to the Central Concourse before checking in to a connecting flight for their final destination, officials said in a press release.
Persse said anyone who was at Hobby Airport from 4 to 8 p.m. March 30 and is concerned about possible exposure should contact their primary care provider before seeking in-person healthcare.
“Do not visit an emergency room unless you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash and have called ahead to allow them to prepare for your arrival,” Persse said in a public statement. “The best protection against measles is vaccination. Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. We urge everyone to check their immunization status and ensure they are up to date.”
Recent exposure raises the question of whether protocols will be put into place at airports and medical offices to contain the spread. While the current measles outbreak isn’t racking up a high death toll — yet — it is highly contagious, experts say. Measles can be transmitted before symptoms develop and the incubation period is about 12 to 13 days, Hotez has said.
Houston Airports released the following statement in response to a request for comment on the measles-infected traveler at Hobby Airport.
“Houston Airports operates under the direct guidance of public health authorities, including the Houston Health Department, on all public health matters. The Houston Health Department leads the public health response, which includes conducting the investigation, managing all contact tracing, and providing official health guidance related to potential exposure.
Houston Airports has shared the official Houston Health Department guidance with Hobby Airport employees and stakeholders to ensure they are informed about the potential exposure and understand the recommended response steps. We are actively cooperating with HHD and fully supporting their response.”
Updates on the measles outbreak are posted on Tuesdays and Fridays on the TexasHealth and Human Services website. The most recent update shows 481 Texas cases, 56 of which required hospitalization. As of last Friday, three cases were reported in Harris County — one of which the infected individual was experiencing symptoms last year before the outbreak occurred — and one in Fort Bend County.
Harris County Public Health officials reported last week that they were investigating a measles case in a northwest Houston child under the age of 18 with no recent travel history. The child received one of two doses of the MMR vaccine and has already recovered, according to reports.
Persse said last week no particular protocols have been mandated for Houston hospitals and airports.
“All the clinicians are aware of it,” he said. “If you’re on an aircraft and somebody has the flu, the air that circulates around your seat is generally within one to two rows in front of and behind you, so you’re not exposed to [everybody] on the aircraft. It’s actually rather localized air circulation. We learned about that during COVID. So … I’m not aware of any particular protocols that are in place.”
Anyone traveling outside the United States should make sure they’re vaccinated, Persse added. There’s a blood test that will tell you whether you’ve been vaccinated and the results take a few days to come in, or you can just take another dose, he said. Hotez has cautioned that the MMR vaccine contains a weakened version of the “live viruses” that cause measles, mumps and rubella. Those who are pregnant, receiving cancer treatment or have an autoimmune disease may be advised not to take it.
Measles spreads through the air when those infected are coughing and sneezing. Those seeking more information about steps to take if they’ve been exposed should visit HoustonHealth.org or call 832-393-4220.
