Kennedy Jr. said ending the measles outbreak in Texas is a top priority for him and listed the steps his agency had taken to combat the spread of disease, including supporting the state’s vaccine efforts.

Public health experts said that although it’s true we have measles cases in the U.S. every year, the latest outbreak is concerning.

When Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy answered questions during the first cabinet meeting of the new Trump administration, he incorrectly described the number of people who died in a West Texas measles outbreak and the reason people were hospitalized.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday said the nation's major measles outbreak is "not unusual," as a child who was not vaccinated died from the virus in West Texas.

While there are usually cases and even minor outbreaks reported yearly, the 2025 outbreak is on track to be the largest in six years.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Doctors explain how to know if you need a booster during this unusually large outbreak.

Here’s what to know about the current measles outbreak, how common the measles is in the U.S., how it spreads and what the symptoms and treatment are.