Second child dies of measles—anti-vaccine advocate reported it before officials

Another tragic death highlights growing power of anti-vaccine advocates.

Apr 7, 2025 - 19:24

Second child dies of measles—anti-vaccine advocate reported it before officials

A second unvaccinated child has died of measles in Texas, according to state health officials and the hospital in Lubbock, Texas, that treated the child.

“We are deeply saddened to report that a school-aged child who was recently diagnosed with measles has passed away," a representative for UMC Health System in Lubbock said in a statement emailed to Ars Technica. "The child was receiving treatment for complications of measles while hospitalized. It is important to note that the child was not vaccinated against measles and had no known underlying health conditions. This unfortunate event underscores the importance of vaccination."

US Health Secretary and anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. identified the child as 8-year-old Daisy Hildebrand. Media reports indicated that she died early Thursday morning.

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