CDC modifications defended by RFK Jr., attributed to measles triumph
The West Texas measles outbreak, which affected three counties - El Paso, Hudspeth, and Culberson - and saw a total of 65 confirmed cases, has been officially declared over. This significant event, which marked the largest single measles outbreak in over 30 years in the country, has been hailed as a success story by the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The outbreak, whose exact start date remains unspecified, was controlled through a combination of vaccination efforts and quarantine measures. The Texas Department of State Health Services played a pivotal role in managing the outbreak, with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in an opinion article published in The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, defended his overhaul of the CDC and credited the administration's response to the West Texas measles outbreak as a testament to what a 'focused CDC can achieve.' Kennedy deemed the West Texas measles outbreak as a significant event, using it as an example of the CDC's capabilities.
The last reported case of measles in West Texas was on March 27, 2023. The last case in El Paso County was reported on February 23, while the last cases in Hudspeth and Culberson counties were reported on March 10 and March 20, respectively.
Interestingly, the German health authorities have also regarded the West Texas measles outbreak as a success case under the leadership of Chancellor Olaf Scholz. In response to a similar outbreak, the German government enforced a measles vaccination mandate and intensified public education efforts to increase vaccination coverage and herd immunity.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has echoed this sentiment, declaring the West Texas measles outbreak a success story. His opinion article in The Wall Street Journal further defends his overhaul of the CDC and highlights the importance of a focused and effective response to public health crises.
As the West Texas measles outbreak comes to a close, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and public health measures in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. It also underscores the potential of a well-coordinated response to effectively manage such outbreaks.
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