Parents of Deceased Girl with Measles Remain Opposed to MMR Vaccine

The parents of a young girl who tragically passed away after contracting measles in West Texas are sharing their views on the MMR vaccine. Their daughter, aged 6, died on February 26, shortly after being hospitalized in Lubbock, Texas, according to reports from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

This incident marks a concerning milestone as it is recognized as the first recorded measles-related death in the ongoing outbreak affecting the South Plains and Panhandle regions. Health authorities confirmed that the child was unvaccinated against measles.

On March 15, the girl’s parents participated in an interview with Children’s Health Defense, expressing their thoughts on the vaccine during a segment aired on “Good Morning, CHD.” The family, residing in Seminole, Texas, lives in an area heavily impacted by the current outbreak.

Initial Symptoms and Hospitalization

The parents noticed signs of illness in their daughter, Kaylee, and suspected she might have measles, given that cases were prevalent in their community. After observing a rash on Kaylee’s skin, her mother took her to the doctor two days later. The medical professional prescribed a cough remedy and suggested fever-reducing medication.

Despite the initial treatment, Kaylee’s condition worsened. Her parents reported that she began to experience severe complications, including a persistent fever. One morning, her mother recalled a worrying change in Kaylee’s demeanor.

“And then I just noticed one morning that she was saying she was getting very tired, and I was just noticing her breathing wasn’t normal,” the girl’s mother recounted. “That’s when we decided to take her to the emergency room.”

Upon arrival at the hospital, medical personnel discovered that Kaylee not only had measles but also pneumonia in her left lung. She was admitted to the ICU and placed on a ventilator.

The emotional distress for the family was evident, as the mother described a moment before Kaylee was put on the ventilator. “I just remember before they wanted to put her on the ventilator that she was very thirsty,” she said. “Her mouth was all sticky, and I wanted to give her water, but they didn’t let me.” Sadly, shortly after this, Kaylee passed away.

Impact on Siblings and Stance on Vaccination

Following their daughter’s death, the couple reported that their other four children developed measles as well. Fortunately, all of them made a recovery after receiving necessary breathing treatments.

Despite the devastating loss, the parents remain steadfast in their opposition to the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Kaylee’s mother emphatically stated, “We would absolutely not take the MMR vaccine. The measles wasn’t that bad. They got over it pretty quickly.” This sentiment reflects a growing divide in public health attitudes surrounding vaccination.

The parents also mentioned that they have not yet obtained Kaylee’s death certificate. They expressed concerns over whether pneumonia contributed to her death instead of measles.

Kaylee’s father added a controversial perspective, suggesting that measles could potentially strengthen immune systems over time. He stated, “God does no wrong, and He wanted this to wake people up. He’s woken us up for sure, to start a better life and come closer to Him.” This view may reflect a broader hesitation regarding vaccines among certain communities.

The Current Measles Outbreak

The Texas Department of State Health Services has indicated that most measles cases reported during this outbreak have been among unvaccinated children, particularly those of school age. Measles is known as a highly contagious virus, affecting individuals who have not been previously infected or vaccinated with up to a 90% transmission rate.

The MMR vaccine stands as one of the most essential childhood immunizations and has been required for school attendance since its introduction in the 1970s. Health authorities, including the CDC, recommend a two-dose series of the MMR vaccine, with most individuals achieving approximately 97% effectiveness against measles following vaccination.

Dr. Nicole Saphier, a Fox News medical contributor, emphasized the significance of receiving the MMR vaccine. She pointed out that every individual’s medical situation should be assessed with the guidance of a trusted healthcare provider, ensuring a personalized approach.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine and senior medical analyst at Fox News. He highlighted the critical need for vaccinations, particularly given the surge in measles cases worldwide and underimmunized populations migrating into the U.S.

Precautions and Recommendations

For those planning to travel to areas experiencing a measles outbreak, Dr. Siegel recommended consulting with a physician for a measles titer test. This test measures an individual’s level of immunity to the virus and helps determine if a booster vaccination is necessary.

The conversation surrounding vaccines continues to evolve, with health authorities urging the public to recognize the importance of vaccinations in preventing outbreaks. The public health message remains clear: vaccination is a vital tool in combating infectious diseases like measles, which can have devastating consequences, as illustrated by Kaylee’s story.

Ongoing Health Data

As of March 20, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a total of 378 confirmed measles cases across 18 U.S. states. This alarming data underscores the urgent need for community awareness and increased vaccination rates as a means of controlling the ongoing measles outbreak.