RFK Jr. Visits West Texas After Second Measles Death: What to Know

  A second school-aged child died after contracting measles as cases in West Texas near 500.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., right, arrives at Reinlander Mennonite Church, April 6, 2025, in Seminole, Texas.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. visited West Texas after the measles-related death of a second school-aged child to “console the families” and “to support Texas health officials” in efforts to control an outbreak that has reached nearly 500 cases with two pediatric deaths.

“I came to Gaines County, Texas, today to comfort the Hildebrand family after the loss of their 8-year-old daughter Daisy," Kennedy posted Sunday on social media. “I got to know the family of 6-year-old Kayley Fehr after she passed away in February. I also developed bonds with and deep affection for other members of this community during that difficult time.”

“My intention was to come down here quietly to console the families and to be with the community in their moment of grief,” he added.

Kennedy said he was also visiting the area to support state and local health officials to learn how HHS could partner with them to stem the spread of an outbreak that has infected 481 individuals across 19 counties throughout the South Plains and Panhandle regions as of April 4.