Health and Human Services (HHS) Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stopped in Texas on Sunday to visit the family of a six-year-old girl who died of the measles virus in February.
Kennedy confirmed his visit to Texas in X’s post. There, among measles cases, people were encouraged to get the measles, mumps and the Levella (MMR) vaccine.
“I came to Gaines County, Texas today and comforted the Hildebrand family after losing my eight-year-old daughter, Daisy,” Kennedy wrote in the Post. “After she passed away in February, I was able to get to know the family of six-year-old Kaylee Fahle and I also had a strong bond and deep affection with other members of the community during those difficult times.”
Kennedy said his intention was to quietly visit Gaines County to comfort his family and stay with the community while they were grieving.
The second child of measles died in Texas, officials say
But he also said he was there to support Texas health officials and learn how to become a better partner in controlling the outbreak of measles.
As of Sunday, 642 confirmed cases of measles in 22 states, of which 499 are in Texas.
Kennedy deployed a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in March to supply MMR vaccines and other supplies to pharmacies and national clinics while strengthening regional and state responses to outbreaks.
Measles outbreaks continue: see which states report cases
RFK Jr. stopped in Texas on Sunday to visit the family of a six-year-old girl who died of measles. (Getty)
Kennedy also worked with the team to work with local schools and health facilities to support contact research and reach out to the community to answer healthcare questions.
“The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine,” Kennedy wrote in a social media post. “I spoke with Governor Abbott and provided continued support for HHS. Upon his request, we relocated the CDC team to Texas. We will continue to follow Texas leads and provide similar resources to other affected jurisdictions.”
Parents of a girl who died after measles infection said they would not take the MMR vaccine
Healthcare workers prepare vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella. (istock)
According to NBC News, Texas’ Grim Texas Ledles Tally includes six toddlers and toddlers who tested positive for a daycare center in Lubbock.
Two of these children are among 56 people hospitalized with measles in the area since the disease began spreading in January.
CDC data shows that about 1-3 of the 1,000 children infected with measles have died from respiratory and neurological complications.
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Of the 20 children with measles, almost one suffers from pneumonia. This is the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
The outbreak of measles began in Texas in late January, but has since spread to several other states.
Landon Mion of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
Greg Wehner is a news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to greg.wehner @fox.com and Twitter @gregwehner.
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