Let's Talk About the 300+ Measles Cases in the US and Confusing Advice from Health Officials
- ⏰ ~ 2 Min
USA Measles Resurgence: Minister Offers Controversial Guidance on Prevention - U.S. experiences measles resurgence; health official offers questionable recommendations
The southern US is seeing a spike in measles cases, with Texas and New Mexico reporting around 300 confirmed cases according to local authorities. Of these, the majority were unvaccinated individuals.
In Texas, where 259 cases have been reported, a staggering 34 infected individuals required hospital treatment. The first measles case in the state was reported in February, with 124 confirmed cases at the time of a child's death from measles.
Measles Outbreak in Gaines County
The outbreak is believed to have started in late January in the rural community of Gaines County, western Texas. From there, the measles spread to neighboring New Mexico, where an enigmatic death occurred, although the cause hasn't been fully established.
Health Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism towards vaccinations, placed emphasis on the importance of vaccinations in several interviews, but also labeled them as a personal decision. In an interview with Fox News, he claimed that vaccinations come with side effects and have led to deaths. He also suggested that the vaccination causes all the diseases that measles does. In other interviews, he recommended vitamin A and cod liver oil as remedies.
Save Yourself from Measles: Vaccinate!
Professor Kirsten Hokeness of Bryant University and Immunology Professor Scott Weaver of the University of Texas both contradicted Kennedy’s claims on ABC. Hokeness stated that the best way to avoid measles is vaccination, while Weaver pointed out that measles were scarce when most people were vaccinated, but their occurrence has increased due to declining vaccination rates.
In Gaines County, where the outbreak started, the vaccination rate is approximately 82 percent, according to PBS. The US health authority CDC notes that outbreaks can happen if the vaccination rate falls below 95 percent. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) also stresses that a herd immunity of 95 percent of the population is necessary to eradicate measles.
Measles: Highly Contagious and Dangerous
Measles are highly infectious and can be potentially life-threatening. It's transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and even talking. The virus causes symptoms in most unvaccinated people, including fever, cough, and a body-wide rash.
In Germany, there have been 553 reported cases of measles as of September 25, 2024. Since March 2020, measles vaccination has been mandatory for children aged one and above who attend a daycare center or school.
- Measles
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Vaccination
- USA
Important Note:
Health experts consistently refute Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s claims that the MMR vaccine causes measles or leads to deaths similar to those caused by the measles virus itself. Vaccination offers the most effective protection against measles. In fact, there is no credible evidence linking the MMR vaccine to serious health issues, like encephalitis or blindness, which are complications of measles itself. The risks of complications from measles infection far outweigh any risks associated with the MMR vaccine.
- The following information is provided in the Annex to this Regulation: The methods used to contradict Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s claims about the MMR vaccine causing measles or leading to deaths like those caused by the measles virus itself, were presented by Professors Kirsten Hokeness of Bryant University and Scott Weaver of the University of Texas in an interview on ABC.
- In the USA, where a spike in measles cases is being reported, with Texas and New Mexico accounting for around 300 confirmed cases, the annals of history record the contradiction of Kennedy's claims by these same professors.
- Despite Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recommendations of vitamin A and cod liver oil as remedies for measles, the Annex also notes that the most effective protection against measles remains vaccination, as emphasized by the Professors in their interviews.
