RFK on the measles outbreak
Looks like I got fooled on the tweet--so I will take it down
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/robert-f-kennedy-jr-measles-outbreak-call-action-all-us
As the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I am deeply concerned about the recent measles outbreak. This situation has escalated rapidly, with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reporting 146 confirmed cases since late January 2025, primarily in the South Plains region. Tragically, this outbreak has claimed the life of a school-aged child, the first measles-related fatality in the United States in over a decade.
Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness with certain health risks, especially to unvaccinated individuals. The virus spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic body rash. Most cases are mild, but rare complications can be severe, including pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis. Prior to the introduction of the vaccine in the 1960s, virtually every child in the United States contracted measles. For example, in the United States, from 1953 to 1962, on average there were 530,217 confirmed cases and 440 deaths, a case fatality rate of 1 in 1,205 cases.
The current Texas outbreak has predominantly affected children, with 116 of the 146 cases occurring in individuals under 18 years of age. The DSHS reports that 79 of the confirmed cases involved individuals who had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, while 62 cases had unknown vaccine status. At least five had received an MMR vaccine.
Human crowd surrounding an injectable measles vaccine bottle on purple background. Horizontal composition with copy space. (iStock)
In response to this outbreak, I have directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to work closely with the Texas health authorities to provide comprehensive support. HHS’ efforts include offering technical assistance, laboratory support, vaccines, and therapeutic medications as needed. The CDC is in continuous communication with Texas health officials, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to contain the outbreak. I have spoken with Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas health officials, committing to providing them any additional support they need to bring this outbreak to an end. I have also spoken to the bereaved parents of the deceased child to offer consolation.
FIRST MEASLES DEATH REPORTED IN WEST TEXAS AMID GROWING OUTBREAK
As healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers, we have a shared responsibility to protect public health. This includes ensuring that accurate information about vaccine safety and efficacy is disseminated. We must engage with communities to understand their concerns, provide culturally competent education, and make vaccines readily accessible for all those who want them.
It is also our responsibility to provide up-to-date guidance on available therapeutic medications. While there is no approved antiviral for those who may be infected, CDC has recently updated their recommendation supporting administration of vitamin A under the supervision of a physician for those with mild, moderate, and severe infection. Studies have found that vitamin A can dramatically reduce measles mortality.
Parents play a pivotal role in safeguarding their children’s health. All parents should consult with their healthcare providers to understand their options to get the MMR vaccine. The decision to vaccinate is a personal one. Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.
Tens of thousands died with, or of, measles annually in 19th Century America. By 1960 -- before the vaccine’s introduction -- improvements in sanitation and nutrition had eliminated 98% of measles deaths. Good nutrition remains a best defense against most chronic and infectious illnesses. Vitamins A, C, and D, and foods rich in vitamins B12, C, and E should be part of a balanced diet.
Healthcare professionals on the front lines of this outbreak are working tirelessly to treat affected individuals and prevent further transmission. Their dedication and resilience are commendable, and they deserve unwavering support. It is essential that we provide them with the resources and backing they need to continue their vital work.
The measles outbreak in Texas is a call to action for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to public health. By working together -- parents, healthcare providers, community leaders, and government officials, we can prevent future outbreaks and protect the health of our nation. Under my leadership, HHS is and will always be committed to radical transparency to regain the public’s trust in its health agencies.
For more information about measles, please visit the CDC’s official website or contact your local health department.
The X post at the beginning of your essay is from an RFK parody acct, not RFK himself nor any affiliation. Meryl, I’m confused by your essay, much of what was said doesn’t sound like what Bobby would say. Then I read the Fox News report and I’m shocked that Bobby did say those things and is promoting the MMR vaccine for individual and community immunity. And that he thinks this minor outbreak (and death of one child with underlying conditions and other illness) is cause for concern. What about the massive adverse reactions from the MMR including death? This is a case of the “prevention” being worse than the infection. I don’t believe he would have said what he said prior to becoming head of HHS. It’s certainly not what CHD and other folks who have the facts on that vaccine are saying. At least he mentioned natural ways to prevent and treat it, which are age old tried and true.
I had hope for RFK but if he really said this he is a tool of the vaccine manufacturers. I am 73. Back when I was a kid in the 1950s every single child in my neighborhood got the measles. So what? Our parents kept us home from school for a few days in bed. Then our immune systems cleared the disease and we were fine. Vaccines can't cure infectious diseases, and RFK knows this very well. I am now beginning to suspect that Trump meant what he said about Stargate, and RFK is with him. That may be premature, but we should all keep a close eye on things.