The ongoing measles outbreak in the United States has raised significant concerns, particularly as it has resulted in the country’s first measles-related death in a decade. The outbreak, which began in late January 2025, has been especially severe in Gaines County, Texas, where 80 cases have been reported. The virus has since spread to other areas, including New Mexico, Georgia, Alaska, New Jersey, and California, with a total of 124 cases reported by early February 2025. In a recent statement, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. downplayed the severity of the situation, claiming that such outbreaks are “not unusual” and occur annually.
Kennedy’s assertion that measles outbreaks are routine has sparked controversy. While it is true that measles outbreaks have occurred sporadically in the past, public health experts are concerned about the scale and frequency of the current outbreak. The United States had been declared measles-free in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination efforts, but declining vaccination rates have led to an increase in outbreaks in recent years. In fact, the current measles surge is already progressing at a faster rate than previous years, with cases doubling compared to the same period in 2024. This is a significant cause for alarm, as measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death in rare cases.
The outbreak has already resulted in one fatality, and health experts worry that the situation could worsen if vaccination rates do not improve. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 18 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak, with the majority of cases occurring in children aged five to 17. The first measles-related death occurred in a school-aged child who was unvaccinated and had been hospitalized in Lubbock, Texas. Despite initially claiming that two deaths had occurred, Kennedy later corrected the statement, acknowledging that only one death had been reported.
While Kennedy’s comments may seem dismissive, the reality is that measles outbreaks are becoming more common and more severe. This is largely due to the decline in vaccination coverage across the country. In the 2023-2024 school year, 39 states reported measles vaccination rates below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. This is a significant increase from 2019-2020, when only 28 states had vaccination rates below this threshold. The CDC has warned that each outbreak represents a lapse in public health defenses and poses serious risks, especially to children.
The role of vaccination in preventing measles cannot be overstated. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has proven to be highly effective in preventing the disease. A single dose of the vaccine provides 93% protection, while the two-dose regimen offers 97% protection. However, the national MMR vaccination rate among kindergarteners has declined from 95% in 2019 to 92.7% in 2025. In some areas, such as Gaines County, Texas, vaccination rates are as low as 82%, well below the threshold needed to prevent the spread of the virus.
The current measles outbreak is not just a random event but a direct consequence of declining vaccination rates. Public health experts have long warned that the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles is a result of growing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. While RFK Jr.’s statement may have downplayed the severity of the situation, the fact remains that the current outbreak is not just “unusual” but a concerning trend that underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates.
The decline in vaccination rates has been driven in part by a vocal anti-vaccine movement, which has spread misinformation about vaccine safety and efficacy. Kennedy himself has been a prominent figure in this movement, despite his position as the head of the US Department of Health and Human Services. In the past, he has questioned the safety of vaccines and even suggested that vaccines may be linked to various health problems, including autism. His controversial stance on vaccines has earned him criticism from public health officials, who worry that his actions could undermine confidence in vaccination programs at a time when vaccination rates are already declining.
Kennedy’s recent statements about the measles outbreak reflect his longstanding skepticism toward vaccination efforts. While he is correct that measles outbreaks have occurred in the US before, the current situation is different due to the size and speed of the outbreak, as well as the first measles-related death in a decade. Public health experts have repeatedly stressed that vaccination is the best defense against measles, and that the increasing number of outbreaks is a direct result of lower vaccination coverage.
In addition to the concerns about the measles outbreak, health experts are also worried about the broader implications of declining vaccination rates. As measles spreads more easily in communities with low vaccination coverage, it also increases the risk of other vaccine-preventable diseases making a comeback. This includes diseases like polio, whooping cough, and rubella, which had largely been eliminated in the US thanks to vaccination efforts. With vaccination rates on the decline, public health officials are concerned that we may see more outbreaks of these diseases in the coming years.
In conclusion, while RFK Jr.’s statement that measles outbreaks are “not unusual” may hold some truth in the context of past outbreaks, it overlooks the larger issue at hand: the resurgence of measles and other preventable diseases due to declining vaccination rates. Public health experts stress that the current outbreak is cause for concern, not just because of its size and spread but also because it is a sign of larger systemic issues within the US healthcare system. To prevent further outbreaks and protect public health, it is crucial to address vaccine hesitancy, combat misinformation, and ensure that vaccination rates remain high. Only by doing so can we safeguard our communities and prevent the return of diseases that have long been under control.