Covenant Health confirms measles death; more than 20 patients hospitalized, officials urge vaccination

Covenant Health and the City of Lubbock Health Department said at a press conference that a school‑aged child who did not reside in Lubbock County has died from complications caused by measles, and more than 20 patients have been admitted to Covenant Children's Hospital, several of whom required intensive care.

At the press conference, Amy Thompson, chief executive officer for the Covenant Health Lubbock service area, said, "As of today, more than 20 patients have been admitted to the Covenant Children's Hospital. We have several of those who have required intensive care, as a result, of having the measles." She asked the community to keep caregivers in their thoughts, saying, "my caregivers have been fantastic in the middle of this outbreak, and, just I I would just ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers."

Laura Johnson, pediatric hospitalist and chief medical officer for the Covenant Health Lubbock service area, described…