A multistate measles outbreak has surpassed 650 cases across the US, with Texas at its epicenter. However, federal funding cuts are putting a strain on public health efforts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reduced billions of dollars in Covid-19 pandemic-era grants that were also used to respond to other public health threats, including measles.
The US Department of Health and Human Services announced sweeping layoffs, including an estimated 2,400 employees from the CDC. This has resulted in cancellations of over 50 immunization clinics in Dallas County, Texas, and staff reductions in New Mexico, where at least 63 cases have been reported.
Experts warn that resource limitations will impact public health workers and the overall healthcare system. “Public health doesn’t have a lot of duplication of staff, so you’re asking a lot of staff to do additional work beyond their regular daily jobs,” said Katherine Wells, director of Lubbock Public Health.
The effects of funding cuts will be felt beyond the measles outbreak. “Other types of care are going to be influenced by having to redirect these resources to the setting,” said Dr. Bryan Patenaude, an associate professor of health economics at Johns Hopkins University.
Measles cases can cost between $30,000 to $50,000 for public health response work, including testing, laboratory work, contact tracing, vaccination efforts, and healthcare costs. Hospitalizations add to these costs due to the need for proper ventilation and isolation procedures.
Indirect costs also arise during an outbreak, such as parents taking time off work to care for sick children or transportation costs. The measles virus can cause serious complications, including ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, or death. In this outbreak, there have been hospitalizations due to pneumonia and neurological symptoms, with three deaths reported – all unvaccinated children.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/17/health/measles-response-funding-cuts/index.html