A school-aged child has died from the measles virus in Texas, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services announced in a news release on 26 February 2025. This marks the first measles-related death in the U.S. in 10 years.
Measles Outbreak in Texas
There is currently a measles outbreak in the state, which began in January 2025, with over 120 confirmed cases. The majority of cases involve children. According to the news release, the child had not received the measles vaccine and was admitted to the hospital last week after testing positive for the virus.
The Contagious Nature of Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease. The news release emphasises this, stating:
“Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause life-threatening complications in individuals who are not protected against the virus. During a measles outbreak, about one in five people who get sick will require hospital care, and one in 20 will develop pneumonia. In rare cases, measles can lead to brain swelling and death. It can also cause pregnancy complications, such as premature birth and low birth weight.”
How Measles Spreads
Measles spreads through direct contact or airborne particles from an infected person’s sneeze or cough. Those exposed to the virus typically develop symptoms within 10–12 days, with the initial symptom usually being a high fever.
Common Symptoms of Measles
Other symptoms may include:
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Small white spots inside the cheeks
A few days later, infected individuals typically develop the more widely associated symptom of red spots or a rash that spreads from the face and neck to other parts of the body, including the hands and feet. Anyone experiencing symptoms should stay home, contact Public Health immediately, and disclose any recent travel history.
Measles in the Cayman Islands
There have been no reported measles cases in the Cayman Islands since 1990. Approximately 90% of 15-month-old children in the Cayman Islands receive immunisation against measles and mumps, with coverage increasing to 97% by school age (4–5 years old).
Travel Considerations and Vigilance
With the upcoming school holidays, many families in the Cayman Islands will be travelling, often to U.S. states like Texas. Therefore, it is crucial to remain vigilant for symptoms and ensure that your children are up to date on all necessary vaccinations.
Measles Vaccination in the Cayman Islands
The Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) vaccine is available for children in the Cayman Islands.
- The first dose is typically given between 12–15 months of age.
- The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first dose.
For more information, visit Public Health’s page on Childhood Immunisations in the Cayman Islands here.
Sources:
- Texas Department of Health and Human Services: “Texas Announces First Death in Measles Outbreak”, “Measles Outbreak — 25 February 2025”
- Medscape: “Texas Confirms Outbreak’s First Measles-Related Death”
- HSA Cayman: Measles Outbreak Advisory (from 2023, regarding imported case of measles in the Caribbean at the time)
- HSA Cayman: Children Immunisation Schedule
