RFK Jr. stops in Texas to visit family of 6-year-old girl who died from measles
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently made a heartfelt visit to Texas to pay his respects to the family of a 6-year-old girl who tragically lost her life to the measles virus in February. Kennedy’s visit was not only to offer his condolences to the grieving family but also to show his support for Texas health officials in the midst of a growing measles outbreak.
Kennedy took to social media to share his experience, stating that he visited Gaines County, Texas, to console the Hildebrand family after the loss of their daughter Daisy. He also mentioned his bond with the family of 6-year-old Kayley Fehr, who also succumbed to the measles virus earlier this year. Kennedy expressed his deep affection for the community and his desire to stand alongside them during this difficult time.
The measles outbreak has been a pressing concern, with 642 confirmed cases reported across 22 states, 499 of which are in Texas. In response to the escalating situation, Kennedy deployed a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assist local and state authorities in their efforts to control the outbreak. The team has been working tirelessly to provide MMR vaccines and essential supplies to pharmacies and state-run clinics, as well as supporting contact investigations and community outreach initiatives.
Kennedy emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles, urging individuals to get the MMR vaccine. He revealed that he has offered continued support to Governor Abbott and redeployed CDC teams to Texas at the governor’s request. Kennedy pledged to follow Texas’ lead and extend similar resources to other affected areas to combat the outbreak.
The grim reality of the measles outbreak in Texas was underscored by the recent cases involving infants and toddlers at a daycare center in Lubbock. Six young children tested positive for measles, with two of them among the 56 individuals hospitalized due to the disease’s complications. Measles can lead to severe respiratory and neurological issues, with a mortality rate of one to three out of every 1,000 infected children.
As the measles outbreak continues to pose a significant threat, Kennedy’s visit to Texas highlights the importance of vaccination and community support in combating the spread of infectious diseases. With ongoing efforts to provide resources and assistance to affected areas, there is hope for containing the outbreak and protecting vulnerable populations from the potentially deadly consequences of measles.
