A new measles outbreak in West Texas has raised concerns about vaccination rates in the country, with seven of the 10 cases identified requiring hospitalization. The outbreak is part of a larger trend of increasing measles cases globally, which have risen by 20% in recent years.
Measles was once considered essentially eliminated, but it has made a comeback due to declining vaccination rates and anti-vaccination sentiment. In some areas, vaccination rates have dropped as low as 94.3%, while vaccine-exemption requests have increased rapidly.
Texas has been particularly affected, with over 20 bills endorsed by “Texans For Vaccine Choice” that would make it easier for people to opt out of vaccinations. This is a concern, as a 95% vaccination rate is needed to provide herd immunity against measles and stop an individual case from spreading.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe illness in vulnerable populations, such as children who are immunocompromised or infants under the age of one. The virus can also lead to serious complications, including subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and immune amnesia.
The nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services has raised concerns about his qualifications and stance on vaccines. Kennedy has long criticized vaccines as being unsafe, despite a lack of evidence to support this claim. His statements have been widely discredited by public health experts, who warn that his nomination could fuel mistrust in vaccines and science-based decision-making.
As the US struggles with increasing measles cases, it is essential to prioritize vaccination rates and invest in public health infrastructure. The nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services raises concerns about his ability to lead agencies responsible for promoting public health and ensuring the safety of Americans.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/judystone/2025/02/10/texas-measles-outbreak-hits-as-congress-weighs-rfk-jrs-hhs-secretary-bid