The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has deployed its “disease detectives” to West Texas to help combat the ongoing measles outbreak in the region. This move indicates a growing involvement of the Trump administration in responding to public health crises.
The CDC partnered with local officials under an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) program, which provides rapid-response support for one to three weeks. The agency’s “disease detectives” will assist in tracking and managing the outbreak.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Vaccines are widely available and have proven to be effective in preventing measles infections. According to the CDC, vaccines offer broad protection against the disease, with two doses of the MMR vaccine providing over 97% protection.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism for his response to the outbreak, which some have described as muted. The CDC and other health officials have urged vaccination as a key measure in preventing further outbreaks.
Kennedy’s stance on vaccines is complex. While he claims to support public health, his past comments have raised concerns about the effectiveness of vaccines. In a recent statement, Kennedy said that the decision to vaccinate should be left to individual parents, sparking debate about the role of government in promoting vaccination.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/us/politics/cdc-measles-outbreak.html