Texas Family Speaks Out After Daughter’s Measles Death
Parents Defend Measles, Oppose Vaccination After Tragedy
Texas parents, grieving the loss of their daughter who became the first measles fatality in the United States in a decade, have given a controversial interview expressing unproven health claims.
The couple asserted that measles is “good for the body” and advised parents against the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is 97 percent effective in preventing measles.
Interview with Anti-Vaccine Group
Speaking with Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine organization founded by Robert F Kennedy Jr., the parents, members of a Mennonite community in West Texas, shared their views this week.
Measles Outbreak Impacts Family
Their five children were infected with measles, a highly contagious disease that has spread through Texas and New Mexico, affecting over 300 individuals—exceeding the total U.S. cases for 2024.
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While four children experienced mild symptoms, their six-year-old daughter, Kaylee, died after a three-week struggle with measles.
Notably, all the children, like many within their community, were unvaccinated.
Parents Advocate Against MMR Vaccine
Despite expressing sorrow over their daughter’s death, the parents maintained their stance against the MMR vaccine, suggesting alternative treatments like cod liver oil and vitamin C. They stated that Kaylee’s death was predetermined, referring to it as “Kaylee’s time on Earth.”
The parents of six-year-old Kaylee, who died from measles, discouraged the MMR vaccine and claimed measles is “not as bad as the media portrays.” They are pictured in a screenshot from their interview with Children’s Health Defense.
Stock image of a child with measles in Texas.
Controversial Claims and Alternative Treatments
Speaking through a translator, Kaylee’s mother advised, “Don’t get vaccinated. Some doctors can assist with measles. It’s not as severe as the media suggests.”
Kaylee’s father claimed measles “benefits the body” and strengthens the immune system against other illnesses, a theory promoted by RFK Jr.
The translator conveyed, “They believe measles is less severe than portrayed and that it was Kaylee’s destiny. They feel she is in a better place, away from negativity, and that she was too good for this world.”
Details of Kaylee’s Illness
Kaylee was the first child in the family to show measles symptoms. Initially, her illness appeared “normal.”
However, she subsequently developed a high fever, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.
Her mother recounted that emergency room physicians prescribed cough medicine and suggested acetaminophen for her fever.
“They simply placed us in a room in the back,” she stated.
Kaylee was diagnosed with pneumonia, a common complication of severe measles, and was later placed on a ventilator before her death.
Days after Kaylee’s funeral, the parents and their other children, aged two to seven, also contracted measles.
“It was challenging,” the mother admitted.
Kaylee’s father, Peter, asserted that “measles benefits the body” and strengthens the immune system, echoing a theory promoted by RFK Jr.
Seminole, in West Texas, the initial location of the measles outbreak, located in Gaines County, which has reported the majority of cases.
Holistic Clinic and Community Response
The family sought treatment for their other children from Dr. Ben Edwards, who runs Veritas Wellness holistic clinic in Lubbock, Texas, and is a member of the Mennonite community.
The clinic reportedly provides unproven measles remedies such as cod liver oil and vitamin C. It remains unclear what specific treatment Kaylee received.
The mother stated, “He administered treatments and medicine, and they recovered well.”
Kaylee’s family consulted Dr. Ben Edwards, who operates a holistic clinic in Lubbock, Texas, offering measles remedies.
Outbreak’s Ground Zero and Vaccination Rates
Seminole is considered the epicenter of this year’s measles outbreak. Of the 279 confirmed Texas cases, 191 are in Gaines County, where Seminole is situated.
The area’s vaccination rate is 82 percent, below the 95 percent needed for community immunity. The national average last school year was 93 percent.
Peter had previously mentioned that measles is common in their community and, while their religious beliefs do not prohibit vaccines, skepticism about their effectiveness is prevalent.
The MMR vaccine is considered 97 percent effective against measles.
Without vaccination, measles can be fatal in approximately one in 1,000 cases due to complications like pneumonia or encephalitis.
Public Health Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated last month, “Vaccination remains the best defense against measles infection.”
Parents Remain Opposed to Vaccination
Despite their daughter’s death, Kaylee’s parents remain opposed to the MMR vaccine.
Kaylee’s mother stated, “Absolutely do not take the MMR vaccine. Measles wasn’t that bad. The other children recovered quickly. And Dr. Edwards was there for us.”