Parents Maintain Anti-Vaccine Stance Despite Child’s Death
The parents of a six-year-old Texas girl who died from Measles Victim in February remain opposed to vaccination, despite their loss. Members of a Mennonite community in Gaines County, the couple spoke to the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense (CHD), reiterating their belief that measles is not as severe as it is portrayed.
In an interview with CHD Executive Director Polly Tommey and Chief Scientific Officer Brian Hooker, the parents stated through a translator that they do not regret their decision to forgo vaccines. “They think it’s not as bad as the media is making it out to be,” the translator said, emphasizing that their views on immunization had not changed. The girl’s mother stated in English, “We would absolutely not take the MMR,” referring to the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. The couple also shared that their four surviving children had contracted and recovered from measles using alternative treatments such as castor oil and inhaled steroids.
The family recounted that their daughter had measles for several days before experiencing fatigue and difficulty breathing. Concerned, they took her to Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, where she was intubated but ultimately passed away. Following her death, the other children in the household also fell ill with measles. The father maintained that measles has benefits for the immune system, saying, “Measles are good for the body… You get an infection out.”
Growing Measles Victim in West Texas
Gaines County, where the family resides, has become the epicenter of a measles outbreak in West Texas. As of Tuesday, the virus has spread to 279 individuals in the region, affecting residents in Gaines and neighboring counties. Health officials have raised concerns over the outbreak, given the highly contagious nature of the disease and its potential complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis.
Children’s Health Defense, the organization that interviewed the parents, was founded in 2007 by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who stepped down in 2023 to run for U.S. president. The group has been a vocal proponent of vaccine skepticism, often questioning established medical guidance on immunization.
Hospital Refutes Misinformation, Urges Vaccination
Following the parents’ interview, Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock issued a statement on Thursday addressing misinformation circulating online. While the hospital could not comment on the girl’s case due to patient confidentiality laws, it clarified that it follows evidence-based medical protocols.
“Our physicians and care teams make clinical decisions based on a patient’s evolving condition, diagnostic findings, and the best available medical knowledge,” the statement read. The hospital also reinforced that measles victim is a serious, life-threatening illness and encouraged families to consult healthcare providers for accurate information.
Health officials continue to advocate for vaccination as the most effective way to prevent measles outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that measles can lead to severe complications, particularly in young children. As cases in West Texas rise, medical professionals emphasize the importance of immunization in protecting individuals and communities from further spread.
