Measles Cases Surge to Highest Level Since 1991 Amid Vaccine-Policy Uncertainty

As of July 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded more measles cases than in any year since 1991, surpassing the three-decade high set the previous year in less than seven months. Since the start of last year, more than 4,850 U.S. residents have been infected and three deaths have been confirmed, including two unvaccinated girls in West Texas. The CDC is now investigating whether measles has become endemic again, noting that genetic sequencing “alone cannot determine whether” the disease is endemic.

Propublica

The resurgence coincides with ongoing debates over a little-known federal vaccine-injury compensation program overseen by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s top health official. Kennedy has been considering reforms that could alter payouts for rare vaccine side-effects, prompting warnings that such changes might drive the few manufacturers of pediatric vaccines out of the U.S. market. A Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesperson emphasized that “Secretary Kennedy believes that trust is rebuilt through an open review of safety data, the willingness to ask the hard questions, and ensuring the American people have all emerging information as soon as we know it.” “Secretary Kennedy believes that trust is rebuilt through an open review of safety data, the willingness to ask the hard questions, and ensuring the American people have all emerging information as soon as we know it.” — the spokesperson

Propublica

• Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson: Stated the agency has not limited vaccine access and framed Kennedy’s stance as “pro-safety,” not anti-vaccine.

Propublica

• Cases: > 4,850 infections since early 2023 (ProPublica reporting).

Propublica

• Deaths: 3 confirmed fatalities, including two unvaccinated children in West Texas.

Propublica

• Historical comparison: Highest annual count since 1991; previous record set in 2022.

Propublica

• “I think there always was a worst-case scenario,” — Dr. Melinda Wharton, former CDC immunization program leader “I think there always was a worst-case scenario,” — Dr. Melinda Wharton

Propublica

• “Secretary Kennedy believes that trust is rebuilt through an open review of safety data, the willingness to ask the hard questions, and ensuring the American people have all emerging information as soon as we know it.” — the spokesperson “Secretary Kennedy believes that trust is rebuilt through an open review of safety data, the willingness to ask the hard questions, and ensuring the American people have all emerging information as soon as we know it.” — the spokesperson

Propublica