Measles outbreak is our Call to Action – Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. speaks about Measles outbreaks and MMR vaccines

by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., HHS Secretary, op-ed

As the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I am deeply concerned about the recent measles outbreaklinks to an external website. This situation has escalated rapidly, with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reporting 146 confirmed cases since late January 2025, primarily in the South Plains region. Tragically, this outbreak has claimed the life of a school-aged child, the first measles-related fatality in the United States in over a decade.

Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness with certain health risks, especially to unvaccinated individuals links to an external website. The virus spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic body rash. Most cases are mild, but rare complications can be severe, including pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis. Prior to the introduction of the vaccine in the 1960s, virtually every child in the United States contracted measles. For example, in the United States, from 1953 to 1962, on average there were 530,217 confirmed cases and 440 deathslinks to an external website, a case fatality rate of 1 in 1,205 cases.

The current Texas outbreak has predominantly affected children, with 116 of the 146 cases occurring in individuals under 18 years of age. The DSHS reports that 79 of the confirmed cases involved individuals who had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, while 62 cases had unknown vaccine status. At least five had received an MMR vaccine.

In response to this outbreak, I have directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to work closely with the Texas health authorities to provide comprehensive support. HHS’ efforts include offering technical assistance, laboratory support, vaccines, and therapeutic medications as needed. The CDC is in continuous communication with Texas health officials, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to contain the outbreak. I have spoken with Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas health officials, committing to providing them any additional support they need to bring this outbreak to an end. I have also spoken to the bereaved parents of the deceased child to offer consolation.

As healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers, we have a shared responsibility to protect public health. This includes ensuring that accurate information about vaccine safety and efficacy is disseminated. We must engage with communities to understand their concerns, provide culturally competent education, and make vaccines readily accessible for all those who want them.

It is also our responsibility to provide up-to-date guidance on available therapeutic medications. While there is no approved antiviral for those who may be infected, CDC has recently updated their recommendation supporting administration of vitamin A under the supervision of a physician for those with mild, moderate, and severe infection. Studies have foundlinks to an external website that vitamin A can dramatically reduce measles mortality.

Parents play a pivotal role in safeguarding their children’s health. All parents should consult with their healthcare providers to understand their options to get the MMR vaccine. The decision to vaccinate is a personal one. Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Tens of thousands died with, or of, measles annually in 19th Century America. By 1960 — before the vaccine’s introduction — improvements in sanitation and nutrition had eliminated 98% of measles deathslinks to an external website.

Good nutrition remains a best defense against most chronic and infectious illnesses. Vitamins A, C, and D, and foods rich in vitamins B12, C, and E should be part of a balanced diet.

Healthcare professionals on the front lines of this outbreak are working tirelessly to treat affected individuals and prevent further transmission. Their dedication and resilience are commendable, and they deserve unwavering support. It is essential that we provide them with the resources and backing they need to continue their vital work.

The measles outbreak in Texas is a call to action for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to public health. By working together — parents, healthcare providers, community leaders, and government officials, we can prevent future outbreaks and protect the health of our nation. Under my leadership, HHS is and will always be committed to radical transparency to regain the public’s trust in its health agencies.

For more information about measles, please visit the CDC’s official website or contact your local health department.

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Publisher’s Note:

From RI Department of Health – Vaccination requirements:

Vaccination Recommendations and Requirements

Children & Students: Two doses of MMR are required for entry into kindergarten and all subsequent grades. Two doses of MMR are also required for entry into colleges and universities in Rhode Island.

Healthcare workers: For new healthcare workers, two doses of MMR are required for pre-employment. For current healthcare workers, two doses of MMR are recommended. (Those without two doses of MMR or who were born before 1957 will also be required to be fully vaccinated during outbreaks.)

Adults: Adults should contact their healthcare providers to find out whether they were vaccinated against the measles. Adults who were not vaccinated against the measles and who do not have evidence of immunity against the disease should get at least one dose of MMR.

Travelers: People 6 months of age and older who will be traveling internationally should be protected against measles. Vaccinations should occur prior to any international travel.

For more information on Measles from the RI Department of Health: HERE