Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump, visited Texas over the weekend following the second reported death of a child from measles in the state. The eight-year-old girl, identified as Daisy Hildebrand, died early Thursday from measles-related pulmonary failure while being treated at a hospital in Lubbock.
Kennedy confirmed his visit on social media, saying he quietly attended the funeral and met with local community members to offer support during what he called “a moment of grief.”
Measles Outbreak Expands in West Texas and Beyond
Hildebrand’s death is the second measles-related fatality in the U.S. in a decade and the second in Texas linked to the ongoing West Texas outbreak. A third suspected death in New Mexico is currently under investigation.
Since January, West Texas has reported 480 measles cases, with 56 hospitalizations. The outbreak has also spread to New Mexico (54 cases) and Oklahoma (10 cases).
Kennedy Acknowledges Importance of MMR Vaccine
Though known for his past as a vocal vaccine skeptic, Kennedy emphasized the importance of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles.
“The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine,” Kennedy posted on X.
He added that he had spoken to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and agreed to send CDC teams to assist in the outbreak response.
However, Kennedy’s mixed public messaging has drawn criticism from health professionals. Despite supporting the MMR vaccine, he has also promoted alternative treatments—including high doses of vitamin A and cod liver oil—which doctors say can be dangerous if not medically supervised.
Child Was Unvaccinated and Healthy Before Illness
Officials from UMC Health System confirmed that Daisy Hildebrand had not received the MMR vaccine and had no underlying health conditions. The first measles-related death earlier this year also involved an unvaccinated child.
Health experts continue to stress that measles is extremely contagious and can lead to severe complications, especially for children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems. Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling, deafness, and death.
Fallout Grows Amid Criticism of Kennedy and Trump Administration
Dr. Peter Marks, a former FDA vaccine director, strongly criticized the administration’s handling of the outbreak and directly blamed Kennedy and his team for the most recent death.
“This is the epitome of an absolute needless death,” he told the Associated Press. “These kids should get vaccinated.”
Kennedy is expected to testify before the Senate health committee on Thursday. One member, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, issued a statement calling for clear leadership on vaccinations.
“Everyone should be vaccinated,” Cassidy said. “There’s no benefit to getting measles, and top health officials should say so unequivocally.”
Public health leaders like Katherine Wells, Lubbock’s public health director, are urging families to get their children vaccinated. She warned that actual case numbers may be much higher, as many people are not being tested.
MMR Vaccine: Safe, Proven, and 97% Effective
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two doses of the MMR vaccine offer 97% protection against measles. The vaccine has been safely administered for decades and is the most effective tool for stopping the spread.
As of Friday, the U.S. has reported more than 600 measles cases this year—more than double the total number reported in all of 2024.