United States: As the U.S. faces a growing measles outbreak, Texas has emerged as the epicenter, reporting more than half of the country’s cases across 20 states since January.
But just as the outbreak worsens, federal support is fading—leaving local public health offices overwhelmed and under-resourced, as reported by The Hills..
CDC Funding Freeze Cripples Local Programs
A federal funding freeze under the Trump administration has pulled the plug on three CDC-backed grants in Dallas County alone, according to The Hill. The affected programs are critical for disease tracking, vaccination delivery, and outbreak response.
Nationwide, the cutbacks are projected to total around $11.4 billion, threatening the foundation of community health departments coast to coast.
Clinics Closed, Workers Laid Off
The impact on Texas is already severe:
Cancelations of 50 vaccine clinics significantly lowered the number of opportunities to administer measles vaccinations.
The elimination of over 20 public health workers through layoff measures reduced the capacity to track and contain the disease.
The situation threatens frontline staff just when the virus is most harmful to unvaccinated children and other unvaccinated individuals.
Measles Cases Climb Amid Sluggish Response
With more than 420 confirmed cases in Texas alone this year, health officials warn that the outbreak could accelerate. The cuts are making it harder to conduct surveillance and deliver vaccines—tools essential to halting the spread, as reported by The Hills.
Local Clinics Fight to Keep Up
Despite the challenges, remaining local clinics are still operational, working to administer vaccines and warn the public. But without restored funding and staff, their reach remains limited in the face of rising infections.