US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calls for swift action to contain the Texas measles epidemic, which has resulted in a child’s death and over 140 reported cases since late January.
The US government is providing resources, including vaccines, to combat the current measles outbreak in Texas. The outbreak has resulted in a child’s death this week, marking the first US fatality from the highly contagious disease in a decade.
In 2019, a significant measles outbreak occurred in Texas, with over 30 confirmed cases reported.
The outbreak was linked to an individual who traveled from another country where measles is common.
The majority of those infected were unvaccinated children under the age of 5.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , Texas has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the US, contributing to the spread of the disease.
Ending the measles outbreak is a top priority for me and my team, said US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a post on X. ‘The Department of Health and Human Services will send Texas 2,000 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine through its immunization program.’
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an American environmental attorney, author, and advocate for children's health.
He is the son of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy.
Known for his work on vaccine safety and mercury pollution, he has written several books, including 'Thimerosal: Let the Science Speak' and 'An Inconvenient Tooth.' As a vocal critic of government policies, he has been involved in various high-profile cases, including the 2005 Supreme Court decision on the Indian Child Welfare Act.
Kennedy's work continues to be a topic of debate among experts and policymakers.
The ‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has upheld the role of vaccines in offering protection against measles.’ Government data shows that over 140 cases have been reported in Texas since late January, with a total of 164 cases as of February 27. A significant majority of these cases – about 95% – were from unvaccinated people.
The child’s death and the hospitalization of nearly 20 other patients in Texas have put ‘Kennedy’s vaccine views to the test.’ Despite founding an anti-vaccine group, ‘Children’s Health Defense,’ Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has denied being ‘anti-vaccine’ and stated that he would not prevent Americans from getting vaccinated.
Measles Outbreak Numbers
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Over 140 cases reported in Texas since late January
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Total of 164 measles cases as of February 27
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About 95% of cases were from unvaccinated people
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Nearly 20 patients hospitalized in Texas due to the outbreak
