As Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I am deeply concerned about the recent measles outbreak in Texas. The state’s Department of State Health Services reported 146 confirmed cases since late January 2025, with a tragic fatality among school-aged children. This outbreak has claimed lives, highlighting the importance of vaccination and community immunity.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets. While most cases are mild, rare complications can be severe, including pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis. Prior to the introduction of the vaccine in the 1960s, measles was prevalent, claiming thousands of lives annually.
The current Texas outbreak has predominantly affected children, with 79 confirmed cases involving unvaccinated individuals or unknown vaccine status. In response to this outbreak, I have directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to provide comprehensive support, including technical assistance, vaccines, and therapeutic medications.
As a society, we share a responsibility to protect public health by ensuring accurate information about vaccine safety and efficacy is disseminated. We must engage with communities, provide culturally competent education, and make vaccines readily accessible for all who want them. I urge parents to consult with their healthcare providers to understand their options to get the MMR vaccine and contribute to community immunity.
This outbreak serves as a call to action for us to reaffirm our commitment to public health. By working together, we can prevent future outbreaks and protect the health of our nation.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/robert-f-kennedy-jr-measles-outbreak-call-action-all-us