US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to send 2,000 doses of the MMR vaccine to Texas in response to a measles outbreak raises more questions than it answers. It’s difficult to reconcile this action with his past pronouncements and the well-documented availability of the MMR vaccine across the United States. The sheer inadequacy of 2,000 doses for a state with a population exceeding 30 million is striking, prompting skepticism about the gesture’s sincerity. It feels almost symbolic, like a single drop in a vast ocean of need.
The notion that Texas, a large and populous state, lacked even 2,000 doses of the MMR vaccine already in its supply chain seems highly improbable.… Continue reading
Ontario is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in nearly 30 years, with 78 new cases identified in the past two weeks, bringing the provincial total to over 140. This surge surpasses the combined total of cases from 2013 to 2023 and is linked to an interprovincial outbreak affecting multiple Canadian provinces. The outbreak, concentrated among unvaccinated children and teenagers, has resulted in 18 hospitalizations, highlighting the severity and contagious nature of the disease. Experts warn that declining vaccination rates increase the risk of measles resurgence, jeopardizing Canada’s elimination status achieved in 1998.
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A measles outbreak in Texas, resulting in the first U.S. measles death since 2015, prompted Rep. Kim Schrier to criticize HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his history of spreading vaccine misinformation. Kennedy’s dismissive response to the child’s death, stating that outbreaks are common, fueled Schrier’s condemnation. Schrier, a pediatrician, directly blames Kennedy and others for the tragedy, citing their decades-long campaign of disseminating false claims about vaccine safety. This has led to preventable illnesses and deaths, highlighting the severe consequences of vaccine hesitancy.
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New Jersey reports three confirmed measles cases, linked to a single internationally-travelled individual, highlighting the virus’s high contagiousness and the risk posed by unvaccinated individuals. These cases follow a larger outbreak in West Texas, resulting in one death and 124 cases across nine counties, emphasizing the continued threat of measles despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Low vaccination rates, particularly in certain communities, contribute to the spread of this potentially deadly disease. Public health officials are actively working to increase vaccination rates and contain the outbreaks through clinics and educational outreach.
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A measles case involving an infant who traveled through LAX Terminal B on February 19th, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., has prompted a public health warning for Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Individuals present at the terminal during that time, and potentially those on Korean Air flight KAL11/KE11, may have been exposed. Unvaccinated individuals exposed before March 11th should monitor for symptoms, which typically appear 7 to 21 days post-exposure and include fever, rash, and respiratory issues. Anyone remaining symptom-free past March 11th is no longer considered at risk.
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A measles outbreak in Texas, originating in a community with low vaccination rates, has claimed two lives—the first US measles deaths in nearly a decade. The outbreak, encompassing over 120 cases, primarily affects children and is linked to decreased vaccination rates below the threshold for herd immunity. The situation has prompted calls for increased vaccination efforts and concern over recent firings of CDC staff involved in outbreak response. Hospitalizations resulting from the outbreak have reached 20, highlighting the severe complications measles can cause.
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Kentucky’s Department of Public Health confirmed a new measles case, linked to international travel. Exposure may have occurred at a Frankfort Planet Fitness on February 17th between 9 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. The highly contagious virus, preventable via the MMR vaccine, presents symptoms including fever, cough, and rash. Individuals experiencing symptoms after potential exposure should contact their healthcare provider before visiting.
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A measles outbreak in West Texas, resulting in at least one fatality, has prompted concern. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged the outbreak, stating that such occurrences are annual events. His statement downplayed the severity of the current situation. Further investigation and preventative measures are needed to address the ongoing health crisis.
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West Texas is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in nearly 30 years, resulting in the first measles-related death in the U.S. since 2015. The deceased was an unvaccinated school-aged child, highlighting the undervaccination within the affected Mennonite community. The outbreak, spanning nine counties and impacting neighboring New Mexico, largely affects children under 18 and is linked to low vaccination rates in some private schools and homeschooling families. The CDC is assisting state health officials in their response.
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A measles outbreak in Texas has surged to 124 confirmed cases, a stark reminder of the preventable nature of this disease. The vast majority of those infected are unvaccinated, highlighting the critical role vaccination plays in community health. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for increased vaccination rates, especially among young children. The sheer number of cases is deeply concerning, especially given the potential for severe complications and the vulnerability of infants too young to receive the MMR vaccine.
The age demographics within this outbreak are particularly troubling. A significant number of cases involve children between the ages of 4 and 17, a population especially susceptible to severe illness and complications from measles.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker