US Town Struggles Amid Measles Outbreak Fueled by Vaccine Skepticism

In the outskirts of Seminole, Texas, Peter Hildebrand stands outside a gas station, his voice heavy with grief. His 8-year-old daughter, Daisy, became the second child to die from a growing measles outbreak in the area, where vaccine skepticism is rampant.

Daisy, part of a Mennonite family that often favors natural remedies over modern medicine, contracted measles after a month of fever, sore throat, and pneumonia. The family initially treated her with cod liver oil but eventually took her to the hospital. Despite treatment, Daisy’s condition worsened, and she died. The CDC confirmed her death was due to measles, but Hildebrand blames inadequate medical care and prejudice against their faith.

In Seminole, vaccine exemptions are among the highest in Texas, with 13% of local children opting out, far higher than the national average of 3%. Many locals, including young mothers and farmworkers, believe vaccines are unsafe and part of a profit-driven conspiracy by Big Pharma.

Measles, one of the most infectious diseases, has seen a resurgence, with over 700 cases nationwide, 541 of which are in Texas. Most cases are among unvaccinated children, and the outbreak is on track to be the largest in decades.

Despite the risks, vaccine resistance remains strong. Hildebrand, echoing a common sentiment in his community, insists that the MMR vaccine is ineffective, citing his brother’s family, who still became ill despite vaccination. However, studies show the MMR vaccine is highly effective, preventing 93% of cases with one dose and 97% with two.

Seminole, a town of 7,000, has been quietly battling the epidemic, with some residents still skeptical of vaccinations. At a local Mennonite-run shop, cod liver oil is promoted as a natural defense against measles. Yet, there are some who do vaccinate, though they remain in the minority.

Local health officials urge vaccination, but with low awareness and limited public outreach, many in Seminole remain uninformed about the scale of the outbreak. As Daisy and another child, Kayley Fehr, are laid to rest, Hildebrand hopes their stories will spark reflection—on both vaccines and the importance of care for the vulnerable. "She was my little girl," he says softly. "And they let her down."