Texas Measles Outbreak Worsens as CDC Deploys Response Team 

Posted by admin

United States: Texas has experienced significant measles outbreaks that now reach 159 confirmed cases. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent its specialized team to work hand-in-hand with state health officials toward stopping the outbreak. 

CDC Steps In to Assist Local Health Officials 

Texas Department of State Health Services received assistance from Epidemic Intelligence Service members deployed by the CDC through their X platform announcement. Epi-Aid is an emergency field assistance program provided by the agency to help regional authorities manage effective responses during public health emergencies, as reported by HealthDay. 

Texas health officials reported that 22 people required hospitalization along with most cases occurring in Gaines County where Mennonite residents remained largely unvaccinated. 

First U.S. Child Measles Death in 18 Years 

In March an unvaccinated school-aged child who lacked preexisting medical conditions passed away from measles complications thus becoming the first U.S. child to die of the illness in almost two decades. After the child’s death five infants remained orphaned. 

CDC’s Early Response and Vaccine Distribution 

CNN reports that the CDC started vaccinating patients with MMR and offering laboratory support before sending its response team. Public health teams work to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus mainly in areas where vaccinations rates remain low. 

Health Secretary Kennedy Addresses the Crisis 

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discussed the outbreak in a Fox News interview, detailing the federal government’s emergency response efforts. Two key aspects of support provided to affected families include vitamin A supplement distribution alongside medical treatments including budesonide steroids and clarithromycin antibiotics and cod liver oil usage. 

Kennedy made it clear the government should serve as a supporting institution as opposed to establishing forced requirements. 

“What we’re trying to do is really to restore faith in government and to make sure that we are there to help them with their needs and not particularly to dictate what they ought to be doing,” Kennedy said. 

Kennedy Comments on Vaccine Hesitancy 

In a separate Fox Business interview, Kennedy acknowledged the widespread mistrust of vaccines, particularly in highly unvaccinated communities like the Mennonites. 

Kennedy noted that he recommends vaccine use to patients while acknowledging their widespread mistrust in these vaccines. 

According to Kennedy some autoimmune patients should avoid the measles vaccine but those who get vaccinated provide defense against additional outbreaks for others. 

Kennedy’s Stance on Vaccination Remains Unclear 

In a Fox News opinion piece, Kennedy stopped short of fully endorsing the measles vaccine. While acknowledging that vaccines protect individuals and contribute to community immunity, he framed vaccination as a personal choice, as reported by HealthDay. 

“The decision to vaccinate is a personal one,” Kennedy wrote. “Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles but also contribute to community immunity.”