Measles cases are surging across Latin America, fueled by outbreaks in North America and a global rise in cases due to low vaccination rates and misinformation. The US, experiencing a significant outbreak, has raised concerns in Latin America due to unequal access to healthcare and the influence of anti-vaccine sentiment. Countries like Mexico and Bolivia are struggling with imported cases, prompting vaccination campaigns and emergency measures, but herd immunity remains a challenge. Despite efforts to increase vaccination rates, disparities persist, exacerbated by vaccine hesitancy and the spread of misinformation, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and public health initiatives.
Read More
Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, a top official at the National Institutes of Health, was terminated by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following her whistleblowing efforts. Marrazzo alleged that she was silenced for pushing back against NIH officials, appointed during the Trump administration, who questioned vaccine importance and canceled clinical trials. Her complaint to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel alleged retaliation, highlighting concerns over statements made by Dr. Matthew Memoli that echoed Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism. This dismissal occurred amidst other changes, including Kennedy’s removal of the Advisory Committee on Vaccine Practices and their subsequent replacements.
Read More
In 2024, the U.S. death rate returned to pre-pandemic levels, with nearly 3.1 million deaths reported by the CDC. Heart disease and cancer continued to be leading causes of death, accounting for over 40% of the fatalities. Drug overdoses and unintentional injuries were the third leading cause of death. While COVID-19 contributed to tens of thousands of deaths, it fell out of the top 10 leading causes for the first time since the pandemic began.
Read More
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism from his own family regarding his anti-vaccine views, with several members calling for his resignation and denouncing his actions. His sister criticized his performance before lawmakers, and his nephew accused him of misleading the public. Adding to the family rift, Kennedy’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, is also teasing a run for Congress, potentially setting up a political clash with his uncle.
Read More
Fellow Kennedys call on RFK Jr. to resign as health secretary. It seems like a significant number of his relatives are speaking out, a clear indication of a growing family rift and a strong desire to distance themselves from his public image. The core issue here revolves around his stance on health matters, particularly vaccines, and how it’s damaging their family legacy. There’s a widespread sentiment that his views are not only harmful but also deeply disrespectful to the work and values of other Kennedys, especially his father, Robert F. Kennedy Sr. The family is evidently concerned about the “Kennedy” brand and its current negative association with RFK Jr.’s… Continue reading
MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell heavily criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr., calling him unqualified and a “crime against humanity.” O’Donnell, a former classmate, accused Kennedy of being a heroin addict throughout his college years and lacking any serious academic pursuits. Furthermore, O’Donnell questioned Kennedy’s appointment as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, attributing it to his family name and Donald Trump’s admiration for the Kennedy legacy. O’Donnell also critiqued Trump’s choice, alleging his disdain for scientific expertise and Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance as dangerous.
Read More
A forthcoming report by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will reportedly link autism to acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, and suggest the use of folate-derived treatments. The report is expected to be released by the end of the month, despite conflicting scientific evidence on the link between acetaminophen and autism. Furthermore, the report may discuss Kennedy Jr.’s controversial views on vaccines, while his department has defunded autism research projects since he took office. The report is being released amidst turmoil within the CDC and NIH, reflecting Kennedy’s influence on health policy.
Read More
A new Ebola outbreak has been declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with at least 15 deaths reported, including four health workers. The outbreak, the 16th in the country, is located in the central Kasai province and has 28 suspected cases. Tests have confirmed the Zaire strain of the virus. The World Health Organization is working to contain the spread, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and has treatment and vaccine stockpiles available, including 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine.
Read More
During a CNN interview, the CDC’s Daskalakis stated that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has never been briefed by a CDC expert on measles, COVID-19, or influenza. Daskalakis confirmed that the CDC, considered a world leader in public health, has offered briefings that Kennedy has not accepted, leading to speculation about the sources of Kennedy’s information. This revelation adds to growing criticism regarding Kennedy’s health expertise, particularly as the American Public Health Association condemned his actions and anti-vaccine views.
Read More
Senator Patty Murray has issued a statement in response to Director Susan Monarez’s defense of the CDC against RFK Jr.’s actions and the resignation of CDC officials. Murray commends Monarez for standing up for science but emphasizes that RFK Jr. is the core problem, citing his anti-vaccine stance and efforts to dismantle public health infrastructure. Murray calls for RFK Jr.’s immediate termination, emphasizing the dangers of his conspiracy theories and their impact on public health preparedness. She urges her Republican colleagues to join her in this call, reflecting concerns about the future of the CDC and its ability to function effectively.
Read More