Robert F. Kennedy Jr. photo: Scott Eisen / Getty images
The United States has been hit by the largest measles outbreak in recent years: since the beginning of the year, more than 600 cases have been reported, more than double the 285 infected last year. The epidemic has already claimed the lives of three people, including two children. The latest victim was an eight-year-old girl from Texas who had not been vaccinated, BBC reports.
According to the UMC Health System, the child had no other chronic illnesses, but the disease caused severe complications. Earlier, in February, a six-year-old girl from the Mennonite community died of measles, and in March, an adult man in New Mexico. In all cases, the victims were not vaccinated.
The massive spread of the disease is in religious communities, where vaccination is traditionally rejected. The epidemic, which began in Texas, has already reached neighbouring states. US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a longtime critic of vaccination, has come under fire for his delayed response to the crisis.
After visiting Texas, Kennedy stated that he “came to support the families of the victims and to help local health services”. Although he mobilised teams to distribute vaccines and medicines, experts criticise the official for hesitant communications and lack of a clear position in support of vaccination.
In a commentary to the BBC, President Donald Trump said that “the situation is still under control”, but “if it gets worse, decisive action will be taken”.
Doctors once again emphasise that measles is an extremely contagious disease with a high risk of complications. Two doses of the proven MMR vaccine complex (measles, mumps, rubella) provide up to 97% effectiveness and create herd immunity if vaccination coverage reaches 95% of the population.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician by profession, made a clear call: “Everyone should be vaccinated! There is no cure for measles, and there is no benefit to getting it.”
