As the U.S. grapples with a growing measles outbreak, criticism is mounting over how Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has handled the situation. Many argue that his response has been sluggish and unclear, allowing the virus to spread unchecked.
U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) didn’t mince words and told The Kicker, “I think you have to be somewhat concerned. I don't think people should panic, but I do think it points back to Secretary Kennedy and what needs to happen there at HHS.”
“So far, he's been—I'll be kind and say—sending mixed signals, but I think we need to be more aggressive in getting in front of this, making sure people get the vaccinations they need and getting that message out to the public,” he added.
With more than 250 cases and two reported deaths across West Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, the outbreak is quickly becoming a national crisis. Experts have warned for years that declining vaccination rates could lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases. Now, those warnings are playing out in real time.
Maryland has also confirmed a case in Howard County. The infected individual visited several public places before being diagnosed, meaning more people could have been exposed without knowing it. Since measles can take up to 21 days to show symptoms, officials say it could be weeks before the full extent of the outbreak is clear.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms start with fever, cough, and runny nose before progressing to red eyes and the telltale rash. While most cases are mild, measles can lead to serious complications, especially for young children and those with weakened immune systems.
Medical experts contend that the outbreak was preventable given that the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is safe, effective, and has been widely available for decades.
Critics argue that Sec. Kennedy’s failure to send a decisive message about the importance of immunization has contributed to this crisis and experts warn, if he and HHS don’t step up soon, this outbreak could spiral further out of control.
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