US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has visited the epicenter of Texas’ growing measles outbreak, where a second young child has died from the disease. The visit comes as the state is grappling with nearly 500 cases in Texas and potential cases in other states. Kennedy said he was working to control the outbreak and met with families who lost loved ones to measles. His stance on vaccination has been criticized by experts, who point to the efficacy of the measles vaccine in preventing the spread of the disease.
Kennedy’s visit follows a surge in cases, with 81 new infections reported between March 28 and April 4. The number of hospitalizations also increased, with 16 more people admitted to hospitals. The outbreak has sparked concerns about declining childhood vaccination rates nationwide.
In a statement, Kennedy acknowledged that vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent measles. However, his stance on vaccination has been at odds with experts, who point to the vaccine’s efficacy in preventing the spread of the disease. Dr. Peter Marks, former FDA vaccine chief, criticized Kennedy’s approach, stating that it led to an “absolute needless death.” Experts predict that the outbreak will continue for several months if not a year.
The CDC has acknowledged that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease and that vaccinations are the best way to protect against it. The agency recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which have been used safely for over 60 years and are 97% effective in preventing measles after two doses.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50