Measles cases climb in Texas as outbreaks appear across the northeast
As the measles outbreak in Texas continues to spread, Fox News’ senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel sat down with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for an exclusive interview to address concerns about contagion. Siegel shared with Fox News’ Sandra Smith on “America Reports” that Kennedy is recommending vaccines for the purpose of community immunity and is working with Texas health officials to provide more doses of the vaccine in the state.
Kennedy, while advocating for personal choice, also recognizes the importance of vaccination in highly unvaccinated communities like the Mennonites, where most of the impacted individuals reside. He highlighted a tragic incident involving an unvaccinated girl from the Mennonite community who passed away due to measles.
During the interview, Kennedy emphasized the need for transparency, more studies on vaccines, and accurate reporting of vaccine injuries. He expressed concerns about the mistrust in vaccines and acknowledged that there are individuals in the Mennonite community who cannot be vaccinated due to underlying health conditions. Vaccination, according to Kennedy, not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of the virus to vulnerable populations.
The interview also touched upon alternative therapies such as the use of cod liver oil, which contains vitamins A and D and has shown effectiveness in treating measles. Kennedy noted that 108 people were treated for measles in Texas in the last 48 hours, underscoring the urgency of addressing the outbreak.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported 159 measles cases since late January, with 22 patients requiring hospitalization. The first measles-related death in Texas was reported last week, further highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Health officials warn that additional cases are likely to occur in surrounding communities due to the highly contagious nature of the virus.
The outbreak has not been contained within Texas, as the CDC has reported 164 cases nationwide, with infections detected in several states including Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. The CDC emphasizes the importance of vaccination, stressing that the best way to prevent measles infection is through two doses of the MMR vaccine.
As the number of reported cases continues to rise, health authorities urge the public to prioritize immunization and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the virus. Stay informed and stay safe. For more health-related news and updates, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
