The Texas Department of State Health Services has officially declared the end of the measles outbreak in West Texas, with no new cases reported in more than 42 days across affected counties. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued a statement recognizing the efforts that led to this outcome.
“I commend the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Trump administration for their work to stop this measles outbreak, saving lives in Texas and beyond,” said Dr. Cassidy. “But this tragedy was entirely preventable, and work must continue to curb outbreaks in other states. Misinformation about the measles vaccine fueled the spread of this outbreak, killing three Americans and hospitalizing many more. No child in the United States should ever die of a vaccine-preventable disease.”
Dr. Cassidy also addressed concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy: “The measles vaccine is effective, safe, and the best way to protect yourself and your family from contracting this deadly disease. I encourage every parent to vaccinate their child to prevent needless death in the future.”
According to health officials, misinformation surrounding vaccines contributed significantly to both deaths and hospitalizations during this outbreak.
For further updates from HELP Republicans, information can be found on their official website or Twitter account @GOPHELP.
