13-05-2025
Former CDC director warns of measles risk as vaccine rates drop
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the measles outbreak has surpassed 1,000 cases nationwide, with the majority, 700, in Texas.
'This is a disease that was considered eliminated from the United States,' said former acting CDC director Dr. Rich Besser. 'The only reason that we're seeing this pop up in the way that we are is because vaccine rates have declined.'
The CDC found that 96% of the 1,001 confirmed cases were people who are unvaccinated against measles or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Falling vaccine rates could mean millions of measles cases: Study
'Measles is probably one of the most contagious viruses that we know. And so you have to have vaccine coverage rates of above 95% in the community for it not to spread,' explained Dr. Besser.
'When it drops below that, it starts to find people who aren't vaccinated and it starts to spread. And unfortunately, we've seen people lose their lives from that, and I think we're going to see more.'
Data from the outbreak shows that three people have died from measles this year.
Dr. Besser's warning comes as local health leaders acknowledge federal spending cuts are making it harder to prepare or address infectious disease spread.
With federal cuts, Austin could be 'underprepared' for significant measles outbreak
'The Federal Government has pulled back hundreds of millions of dollars from Texas alone. The health departments have had to let some staff go because of those cuts and cuts to the federal Centers for Disease Control. That all plays a role.'
Before Dr. Besser became the president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a health organization advocating for health equity, he was the acting director of the CDC during the initial response to the H1N1 influenza pandemic.
He argues vaccination rates would be higher if there were an 'unequivocal messaging from the Secretary and others in government,' saying, 'not only is it the best way to protect your child, but every parent should make sure that their child is fully vaccinated.'
Health officials say a 2nd measles case has been reported in Travis County
As Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has urged parents to do their own research on vaccines, Dr. Besser is asking parents to talk to their doctor.
'While it's a personal decision to vaccinate your child, it's one that affects the other people in your family, your neighbors, those in your community,' Besser said. 'So talk to your doctor, get your questions answered so you can do the right thing in terms of protecting your children.'
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