Texas Faces Severe Measles Outbreak; Congressional Leaders Urge CDC for Action

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A group of Democratic representatives from Texas is advocating for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to disclose comprehensive details regarding its response to a significant measles outbreak currently affecting West Texas.

The letter, which has garnered signatures from all Texas Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives including Reps. Lizzie Fletcher, Mark Veasey, and Lloyd Doggett, highlights concerns raised amid budget cuts to public health programs and reduced staffing at the CDC.

Concerns about the CDC’s Response

The representatives expressed their worries through the letter, stating, “As local pharmacies report shortages of MMR vaccine doses, the Administration has shipped doses of Vitamin A to Texas, endorsing its use in addition to cod liver oil to reduce the outbreak, neither of which are scientifically proven to reduce the spread of the disease.” They stressed the contradiction to the CDC’s commitment to “science-based” and “data-driven” decisions.

The current outbreak represents Texas’s most severe measles crisis in three decades, particularly concerning as the disease was declared eliminated in the United States back in 2000.

Impact of Misinformation

The letter continues, “Despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, the Administration has spread dangerous misinformation discouraging immunization.” This rhetoric has led to low vaccination rates, posing a significant risk for the resurgence of measles within the population.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. clarified in a recent interview that vaccines are accessible for those who wish to receive them and emphasized his collaboration with state authorities to address vaccine distribution needs.

Accountability for Delays

The congress members also pointed out a troubling delay in the CDC’s reporting activities, indicating that the agency transitioned from weekly to monthly updates at one point. Although the CDC has now reverted to weekly updates, the representatives remarked, “These delays and discrepancies are not merely technical failures; they reflect a broader problem of insufficient transparency,” highlighting the critical need for timely information in controlling outbreaks.

In their correspondence, they requested specific details from acting CDC Director Susan Monarez, including the agency’s actions in response to the outbreak and how recent staffing reductions have affected their operations. They have asked for a reply by March 25.

CDC’s Engagement in the Outbreak

As part of its response, the CDC deployed a rapid response team on March 4 to assist local health officials in West Texas, with the team expected to remain for up to three weeks.

Health Secretary Kennedy further stated, “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.”

The Current Situation in Texas

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the state has recorded 279 measles cases since January, including 20 new cases reported recently. Among these cases, more than 200 are children under 18, and nearly all are unvaccinated individuals.

The outbreak, which spans 11 counties, has notably been concentrated in Gaines County, located near the New Mexico border. Tragically, one death, a school-aged child, has been reported, along with 36 hospitalizations to date.

Understanding Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection transmitted through respiratory droplets. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days post-exposure and include high fever, a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and the signature measles rash.

Common Symptoms Include:

• High fever (up to 105°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red and watery eyes
• White spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
• Rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

Prevention and Action Steps

The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination, specifically receiving two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. While breakthrough cases can occur in vaccinated individuals, they tend to exhibit milder symptoms and pose less risk of transmission.

Individuals who suspect they may have been exposed to measles are advised to isolate themselves and contact their healthcare provider for guidance prior to seeking in-person testing.

Guidelines for Controlling Outbreaks:

• Individuals with confirmed or suspected measles should refrain from attending school or work until four days after the rash appears.
• During outbreaks, unvaccinated individuals should be kept away from infected persons to limit spread.
• According to Texas Administrative Code, schools must exclude unvaccinated children for a minimum of 21 days following exposure to a confirmed measles case.

The Source: Information regarding the letter and statements from the representatives comes from the office of Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, while current data on measles incidents in Texas is provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services.