Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Texas to offer support and comfort to the family of a 6-year-old girl who died of the measles virus in February. Kennedy emphasized the importance of getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as measles cases continue to rise. He also aimed to support Texas health officials and learn how HHS agencies can better assist in controlling the outbreak. With 642 confirmed cases of measles across 22 states, 499 of those cases are in Texas.
Kennedy deployed a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help strengthen the local and state response to the measles outbreak. This team provided MMR vaccines and other supplies to pharmacies and state-run clinics. They also worked with local schools and healthcare facilities to carry out contact investigations and engage with communities to address questions and concerns regarding healthcare. The MMR vaccine is deemed to be the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles.
Texas has been hit hard by the measles outbreak, with alarming statistics that include six infants and toddlers at a daycare center in Lubbock testing positive for measles within the past two weeks. These cases have resulted in 56 hospitalizations in the area since the outbreak began in January. Measles can lead to severe respiratory and neurological complications, and about one to three out of every 1,000 children infected with measles may die. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death in young children with measles, affecting nearly one out of every 20 children with the disease.
Kennedy revealed that he had conversations with Governor Abbott and pledged continued support from HHS to combat the measles outbreak in Texas. CDC teams were redeployed to the state at Governor Abbott’s request to provide further assistance. Kennedy emphasized the importance of following Texas’ lead in responding to the outbreak and offering similar resources to other jurisdictions that are affected. The tragic death of the 6-year-old girl has underscored the urgency of tackling the measles crisis and preventing further loss of life.
The measles outbreak, which began in Texas in late January, has since spread to several other states, highlighting the need for a coordinated and robust response to contain the spread of the virus. Kennedy’s visit to Gaines County aimed to offer solace to grieving families and show support to the community during this challenging time. By advocating for the MMR vaccine and collaborating with local health officials, Kennedy sought to raise awareness about preventive measures and provide essential resources to combat the measles outbreak effectively.
As the CDC teams and local health authorities continue their efforts to control and prevent the spread of measles in Texas, the focus remains on vaccination as a key preventive measure. Kennedy’s visit underscored the importance of vaccination in protecting communities from infectious diseases like measles. By working together with state and local partners, HHS aims to strengthen the response to the measles outbreak and ensure that adequate resources and support are available to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect public health.
