A measles outbreak in South Carolina is worsening, with 111 cases reported in the Upstate region, according to the Washington Post. The majority of those affected were unvaccinated individuals. This development comes amid a decline in national vaccination rates for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), exacerbated by misinformation on social media and from public figures like President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that even a small drop in vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks since measles can easily spread in communities where vaccination coverage is below 95 percent. The CDC has emphasized the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent such outbreaks.
Health Secretary Kennedy has faced criticism for his response to previous outbreaks, particularly one in Texas earlier this year that resulted in two child deaths. During that outbreak, Kennedy suggested alternative treatments like Vitamin A instead of promoting vaccinations, which led to further health complications among some patients.
Kayla Hancock from Public Health Watch criticized Kennedy's approach: "It is perverse that Trump’s health secretary has fanned the flames of skepticism around the long-proven safe and effective MMR vaccine." She added that both Trump and Kennedy have contributed to vaccine misinformation, which she believes has influenced decisions against vaccinating children.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been scrutinized for its handling of these outbreaks. Critics argue that Kennedy's focus on unproven treatments over vaccines undermines public confidence in essential health measures. As new outbreaks emerge in Utah and Arizona, concerns about the U.S.'s ability to maintain its measles elimination status grow.
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