TEXAS — A second child has died amid a growing measles outbreak in the United States, health authorities confirmed Sunday, as the number of infections approaches 650 across 22 states.

“We are deeply saddened to report that a school-aged child who was recently diagnosed with measles has passed away,” said Aaron Davis, vice president of UMC Health System in Texas. The child, who was unvaccinated and had no known underlying conditions, had been hospitalized with complications from measles.

The United States is currently facing its worst measles outbreak in nearly a decade. According to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., there are now 642 confirmed cases, with 499 in Texas alone. He stated that the HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are actively supporting vaccine distribution in the state.

Although Kennedy has previously expressed skepticism about vaccines, he posted Sunday on X that “the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine.”

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, called the outbreak “a fairly small number” but added that stronger action could follow if the situation escalates.

The CDC has confirmed measles cases in states ranging from Alaska to Florida, including New York City. The vast majority of patients — 97 percent — were unvaccinated. Two of the three confirmed deaths linked to the outbreak were children in Texas, while the third was an adult in New Mexico.

So far in 2025, six outbreaks — defined as three or more connected cases — have been recorded, with 93 percent of infections tied to these clusters.

“This unfortunate event underscores the importance of vaccination,” Davis emphasized, urging families to stay current with routine immunizations to help safeguard both individuals and communities.