Statement on Measles Outbreak and Misinformation

The World Health Network (WHN) is deeply concerned about the ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas, which has tragically claimed the life of an unvaccinated child—the first U.S. measles-related fatality since 2015. This outbreak is part of a second consecutive year of increasing measles cases in the U.S., with 158 confirmed cases reported across Texas and New Mexico, primarily among unvaccinated children.

During a recent White House cabinet meeting, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initially reported two deaths, later corrected to one confirmed fatality. He also suggested that hospitalizations were primarily for quarantine purposes—a claim disputed by medical professionals, who emphasize that measles hospitalizations result from severe health complications, not just isolation.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. The MMR vaccine is a safe and highly effective means of preventing measles and its devastating consequences.

WHN urges the public to rely on accurate, science-based information and to consult healthcare professionals about vaccination. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also strengthens community immunity, safeguarding those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

We call on public figures and officials to communicate responsibly, ensuring that their statements are based on verified data. Misinformation undermines public health efforts, leading to preventable harm. Collective adherence to evidence-based health practices is essential to controlling the spread of measles and preventing further tragedies.