Latest news with #JenniferShuford
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
False Measles Vaccine Conspiracy Theories Won't Stop: Here's Everything You Need to Know
NurPhoto/Getty Images There's a deadly measles outbreak raging in west Texas, and it's being fueled, at least in part, by anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services announced two cases of measles in unvaccinated children on January 23. Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, as of March 7, there are 208 cases related to the Texas outbreak, which has also spread into New Mexico. As a result, one child has died and another death is under investigation. This outbreak marks the first measles death in the U.S. in a decade. Nearly all of the people who have the measles in this Texas outbreak are unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown. According to KFF research published in November, 2024, childhood vaccination rates in the U.S. have been falling over the last few years, which 'appear[s] to be related to increasing vaccine hesitancy, fueled in part by vaccine misinformation' after the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, 93% of U.S. kindergarteners are fully vaccinated against the measles, according to the New York Times — falling below the 95% needed for herd immunity. And in some places, like spots in Texas, fewer than 50% are protected against measles. While the source of the current outbreak is unknown, Dr. Jennifer Shuford, head of the Texas Department of State Health Services, told the state's House Committee on Public Health that decreasing trust in vaccines is part of the problem. 'At 95%, we have what's called herd immunity. We know when those vaccine levels get lower than 95% that there's enough unprotected people together to cause an outbreak,' she said, according to the Texas Tribune. 'There's been some decreased interest or decrease in trust in vaccines and that's caused a decrease in vaccination rates.' But what exactly is behind that distrust, particularly in the measles vaccine? Here's how the fully debunked and false conspiracy theories about the measles vaccine came to be. "Conspirituality" Boomed During the Pandemic, And It Could Have Consequences for the Vaccine Effort [*Booster*]( *is a series exploring the COVID-19 vaccine and what it means for young people — from the science behind it to how it impacts our lives.* It started with a study that wrongly linked the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine with autism. In 1998, Andrew Wakefield — an anti-vaccine activist and former doctor who has now been banned from practice in the UK, his home country — and 12 coauthors published a paper that falsely concluded that 'possible environmental triggers' (i.e. the vaccine) were associated with the onset of both" chronic enterocolitis and developmental regression. Twelve years after publishing the controversial study that spurred countless parents around the world to abstain from the MMR vaccine, medical journal The Lancet retracted the paper, finding it to be 'incorrect.' Britain's General Medical Council, which registers and regulates doctors in the U.K., ruled that Wakefield acted 'dishonestly and irresponsibly' during his research and with 'callous disregard' for the children involved in his study. Though the study has now been disproven — there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism — the damage had already been done. According to a report in TIME from 2010, 'Vaccination rates among toddlers [in the UK] plummeted from over 90% in the mid-1990s to below 70% in some places by 2003. Following this drop, Britain saw an increase in measles cases at a time when the disease had been all but eradicated in many developed countries. In 1998, there were just 56 cases of the disease in England and Wales; by 2008 there were 1,370.' In the U.S., research found that vaccine skepticism increased because of Wakefield's paper, Per the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, the MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles, helping to protect the child who is vaccinated, as well as 'those unable to be vaccinated who are most vulnerable to serious disease such as immunocompromised patients and infants too young to be vaccinated.' The NFID is clear in its messaging, that 'the most important thing parents and others can do to help protect their families and communities from measles is to make sure that everyone who can be vaccinated is vaccinated against measles.' And, MMR vaccination rates across the U.S. have been and continue to be fairly high — though often falling short of the 95% threshold. To this day, many parent advocacy groups continue to defend Wakefield, despite the retraction of the critically flawed study, and that no large study has ever replicated his findings. Generation Rescue, a group founded by actors Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey rose in the wake of this study, dominating the public conversation around autism, while offering debunked and potentially harmful methods to 'treat' autism. At one point, Generation Rescue's board members included figures like Katie Wright, daughter of Bob and Suzanne Wright, the founders of influential and controversial advocacy group, Autism Speaks. While MMR vaccination rates have slightly fluctuated over the years, the COVID-19 pandemic breathed new life into vaccine hesitancy and skepticism, prompting another drop in the number of children getting their MMR vaccines. The Guardian reports that 'influencers who gained large followings during the pandemic – including those at the forefront of sowing doubt about the COVID vaccines – appear to have refocused some attention on MMR.' An increasingly politicized topic, misinformation and conflicting messaging continues to about in current mass communication. As recently as March 2025, Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — who has been criticized for his purported connection to the 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa that killed 83 — outlined a strategy for containing the measles outbreak in West Texas in a wide ranging interview with Fox News, largely drawing on fringe theories about prevention and treatment. Despite extensive research to the contrary, he also suggested vaccination injuries were more common than currently known. Bizarrely, the known anti-vax secretary simultaneously called for vaccinations in the affected community. Conflicting messaging surrounding MMR vaccine conspiracy theories particularly targets parents on social media. Parents are especially vulnerable — they may be concerned about protecting their child from a vaccine that they see as potentially harmful, or they may be searching for a reason their child was diagnosed with autism. But, autism is not caused by vaccines, and there is no one known cause or reason for it. One study from Texas A&M School of Public Health researchers set out to identify reasons why anti-vaccine attitudes persist among parents. 'Our research suggests that anti-vaccine attitudes have deeply grounded psychological origins, which may be quite difficult to change,' author Timothy Callaghan, PhD, said in an article about the study. Their report noted that a crucial challenge for medical professionals was how to communicate effectively to change the minds of those with more conspiratorial thinking, suggesting that 'efforts to encourage childhood vaccination may be more successful if we avoid making mention of scientific studies, which parents might see as motivated by ulterior motives, or tying information to health departments (which these parents might find untrustworthy).' At once, in part because of conflicting messaging, fact and evidence-based communication might hold less weight for worried parents, considering the emotional weight of issues regarding children's health in general. One study also suggests that Dunning-Kruger effects (in which people overestimate their knowledge on a certain subject), can also help explain public opposition to vaccination policies. Further, the study suggests that this overconfidence 'is associated with opposition to mandatory vaccination policy' and 'is also associated with increased support for the role that non-experts (e.g., celebrities) play in the policymaking process.' Vaccines have 'saved more human lives than any other medical invention in history,' according to the World Health Organization, but these unfounded theories continue to prevent vaccines from protecting some vulnerable groups. In the face of a measles outbreak, however, some people seem to change their thinking. Texas station KHOU reports that demand for the measles vaccine has 'soared' in the state in recent weeks. Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas officials still don't know how West Texas measles outbreak started
Texas' health commissioner told lawmakers Monday they are still trying to determine the origin of a South Plains-Panhandle measles outbreak more than a month after the first patients reported symptoms. 'I cannot link this particular outbreak,' Dr. Jennifer Shuford, who oversees the Texas Department of State Health Services, told the House Committee on Public Health. 'We don't know what the link is.' During Monday's hourlong discussion — the first time the Legislature has meaningfully addressed the outbreak in a hearing since the first case was reported in January — Shuford fielded questions about the state's response, as well as those related to vaccine risks and whether the cause of the outbreak was due to illegal immigration from Republican lawmakers. [Texas leaders quiet amid the biggest measles outbreak in decades] While Gaines County is the center of this outbreak, infections have spread to eight other surrounding counties. Shuford told lawmakers Monday that the number of cases from the outbreak has increased to 158 and that four other measles cases — two in Harris County, one in Rockwall County and one in Travis County — have also been reported but linked to international travel and unrelated to the ongoing outbreak. State Rep. Mike Olcott, R-Fort Worth, asked Shuford repeatedly if the West Texas outbreak could be tied to the influx of undocumented immigrants into Texas. 'Have you all considered the possibility, because of the enormous surge of foreign nationals coming into this country recently, many of whom, maybe even most of whom, are not vaccinated, that could have been the source of the outbreak?' Olcott said. Shuford said she had no data pinpointing how the outbreak started. 'For this particular outbreak we don't know the individual who introduced it into the community or what the risk factor was for bringing it in,' Shuford said. Rep. John Bucy, D-Austin asked why the biggest outbreak in years was happening now in Texas. Shuford explained that the elimination of measles depends on a community having an immunization of at least 95% to keep the disease from spreading. 'At 95%, we have what's called herd immunity,' she said. 'We know when those vaccine levels get lower than 95% that there's enough unprotected people together to cause an outbreak.' What happened in Gaines County, she said, was that measles was able to latch onto a community where there were lower immunization rates. One of the county's local public school districts with only 143 students, according to 2023-24 school year data, has the highest school vaccine exemption rate in the state — 48% of Loop school district students have conscientious exemptions from required vaccinations. In 2023-24, less than half of all Loop kindergartners — 46% — were given the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, according to state data. 'There's been some decreased interest or decrease in trust in vaccines and that's caused a decrease in vaccination rates,' she said. Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, zeroed in on the amount of vaccine doses — at least 72 — an American child receives by the time they reach their 18th birthday, at the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He questioned whether health agencies should provide better communication about the risks of some vaccines. Too often, he said, those who question vaccine risks are painted unfairly. 'Take every one or you're an anti-vaxxer,' he said. He also said vaccine manufacturers bear no risk if someone has an adverse reaction to the shots. 'We don't do anything other than to tell people you need to get the vaccine, and, oh by the way, the pharmaceutical company has no liability because we have waived that,' Frank said. 'It's a great business model, right? They get to manufacture it. You require it.' Shuford conceded that it was up to the public health community to better inform the public about vaccines by laying out risks for different risk groups. 'I think that it does make sense and we're considering ways to communicate about vaccines. Clearly there are so many questions around it and rightfully so,' Shuford said. 'And part of it is on us in public health not being able to communicate well about it. We can't wait to welcome you to the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas' breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 13–15 in downtown Austin. Step inside the conversations shaping the future of education, the economy, health care, energy, technology, public safety, culture, the arts and so much more. Hear from our CEO, Sonal Shah, on TribFest 2025. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas measles outbreak 2025: More new cases detected in West Texas
The Brief 12 new measles cases have been detected in West Texas, according to Texas DSHS. 158 cases have been detected in West Texas since late January. 1 child has died and more than 20 people have been hospitalized. AUSTIN - Twelve new measles cases have been confirmed in West Texas, according to officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services. Officials say they expect that number to grow in the coming days. What we know While testifying at the Texas House Committee on Public Health, Texas DSHS commissioner Dr. Jennifer Shuford said the total number of cases in the outbreak jumped from 146 to 158 over the weekend. The new cases are within the same 9 counties in Texas' South Plains and Panhandle that had detected cases in previous case totals. One child died in the outbreak and more than 20 people have been hospitalized. It is the biggest measles outbreak in Texas in 30 years. Officials say there have been decreasing vaccination rates in the region in recent years due to distrust of vaccinations. Some of the cases were among people who were vaccinated, according to officials. READ MORE: Measles vaccination rates in Texas: Find your school district Many of the cases are among 5 to 17-year-olds, but officials say they are seeing more cases among children younger than 5 years of age. Monday's update only included cases connected to the West Texas outbreak, which is mostly centered in Gaines County. READ MORE: Who are the Mennonites? Texas measles outbreak impacts community Measles cases have also been detected in Austin and Rockwall County, but both of those cases involved people who had traveled abroad. Texas DSHS says it is working to acquire more measles vaccines, is working with hospitals to prepare to a larger outbreak. Starting this week, billboards raising measles awareness are expected to go up in certain areas. By the numbers DSHS have not released a more detailed account of the newly confirmed cases. The numbers below are based on the Friday, Feb. 28 update. READ MORE:Measles: A look back at the history of the virus Cases by county: Gaines County: 98 Lubbock County: 2 Lynn County: 2 Terry County: 21 Yoakum County: 6 Dawson County: 8 Ector County: 2 Dallam County: 4 Martin County: 3 Cases by age: 0-4 years: 46 cases 5-17 years: 70 cases 18+: 25 cases Unknown: 5 cases Cases by vaccination status: Not vaccinated: 79 Unknown status: 62 Vaccinated with at least one dose: 5 What's next Case numbers are updated by the Texas Department of State Health Services on Tuesdays and Fridays. Why you should care Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. READ MORE:Measles: A look back at the history of the virus Illness onset (high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes) begins a week or two after someone is exposed. A few days later, the telltale rash breaks out as flat, red spots on the face and then spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body. A person is contagious about four days before the rash appears to four days after. People with measles should stay home from work or school during that period. Common symptoms for measles include: High fever (as high as 105°F) Cough Runny nose Red and watery eyes Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The "measles rash" typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body. The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. READ MORE:Measles: Your questions answered Some vaccinated people can occasionally develop measles; however, they generally experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the disease to other people. If you think you have measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, isolate yourself from others and call your healthcare provider before arriving to be tested so they can prepare for your arrival without exposing other people to the virus. Measles is extremely contagious and can cause life-threatening illness to anyone who is not protected against the virus. Review your and your child's vaccination history to see if you are up-to-date on your measles vaccines. Additionally, discuss with your provider your vaccination history and any questions about these vaccines. People with confirmed or suspected measles should stay home from school, work, and other group settings until after the fourth day of rash onset. During an outbreak, people without documented immunity from vaccination or previous measles infection should be isolated from anyone with measles to protect those without immunity and control the outbreak. According to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Rule §97.7, schools and childcare settings shall exclude unimmunized children for at least 21 days after the last date the unimmunized child was exposed to a measles case. The Source Information in this article comes from a Texas House Committee on Public Health on March 3, 2025. Other information comes from the Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles outbreak grows as state health commissioner discusses vaccine concerns
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The measles outbreak continues to spread in Texas as the state's Commissioner of the Department of State Health Services spoke to a committee of lawmakers about the growing distrust of vaccines and the agency's attempts to fight the virus. The case count is now up to 158 people, according to the latest numbers reported by Dr. Jennifer Shuford, the DSHS Commissioner. She presented those numbers to the Texas House Committee on Public Health as the state faces a measles outbreak it has not seen in 30 years. 'Measles is highly contagious,' Dr. Shuford explained. 'It's probably the most contagious virus that we know of.' She said school-age children between the ages of 5 and 17 are the most impacted group followed by children under the age of four. One school-aged child died and 20 people have been hospitalized, due to this outbreak, according to Dr. Shuford. A majority of the confirmed cases are located in Gaines County and spreading to the surrounding counties in the South Plains and Panhandle region. Dr. Shuford said the state set up two specimen collection sites in the most impacted area to help increase the speed of testing for the virus. Most of the testing is being done at a lab in Austin, but DSHS is working with El Paso, Tarrant, and Bexar counties to boost their measles testing capacity at their public health labs. The state has also set up vaccine sites that operate 7-days a week. 'We just want to have vaccine available for whichever providers can give those vaccines, especially in that outbreak community,' Dr. Shuford said. If someone is exposed to the virus the state is trying to get that person a vaccine within 72 hours of exposure. It may prevent that person from being sick or make their symptoms less severe. If the state misses that 72-hour window it is also providing immunoglobulin injections, which is a treatment that puts antibodies in the body to strengthen the immune system. The agency is also looking at pediatric hospital bed capacity. Part of that is communicating with hospitals around the states to get a look at the available hospital beds, including pediatric ICU beds in the state. Most of the infected people are being hospitalized in Lubbock, and the state is making sure there are beds available in case Lubbock becomes overwhelmed. Dr. Shuford reported the state expects the cases to keep growing because of the lack of measles vaccination rates in Texas. The state says the best defense against measles is the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine which has been in use in the United States for more than 50 years. 'We are concerned about our MMR coverage across our state, knowing that it's lower than some other places across the United States, and that this particular region has lower vaccination rates,' Dr. Shuford said. State Rep. John Bucy III, D-Austin asked the commissioner why vaccination rates are so low in some areas of Texas. 'What's going on, especially if we've eliminated this disease in 2000,' Bucy asked. 'There has been just some decreased interest or distrust in vaccines, and that's caused a decrease in vaccination rates,' Dr. Shuford explained. It is part of a growing debate in the country about whether people should vaccinate. The question of whether or not someone should vaccinate themselves has become a political talking point. 'If someone chooses not to get the vaccine, not because of health reasons, but they choose not to get it living in a denser population or community, they're not just impacting their own safety. They could be impacting the safety of their neighbors and their communities, correct,' Bucy asked. 'They're allowing it to be able to spread to other people,' Dr. Shuford responded. Rep. James Frank, R – Wichita Falls, followed Bucy's questioning and asked if anyone infected in this outbreak was already vaccinated. Dr. Shuford said yes, but that it is hard to tell how many and if they were people who were given the vaccine after they had already been exposed to the virus. 'I think some of the distrust is caused, I think, in some parts rightly or wrongly by perceived information, or sometimes actual misinformation coming from people in authority,' Frank said. 'The measles vaccine seems a very clear case something we should do, and yet there are other things that are called vaccines that sometimes I don't think operate like vaccines and don't keep you from getting it.' The DSHS is working with the CDC to promote the use of the MMR vaccine as it fights this recent outbreak. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
