A child in New York has died of measles, marking the first such death in the state in over 30 years. This is the seventh measles-related death in the US this year, with Pennsylvania reporting the other six amid a major outbreak affecting over 1,430 people. The surge in cases is linked to declining vaccination rates fueled by misinformation and anti-vaccine activism, particularly from US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his organization, Children’s Health Defense. New York Governor Kathy Hochul blamed Kennedy’s policies for the tragedy, calling it a "devastating reminder" of the consequences of undermining public health. The state has confirmed 170 measles cases across multiple counties. Meanwhile, career scientists at the CDC were reportedly blocked from issuing an urgent health alert to clinicians about measles risks during pregnancy, a move critics say endangered public health.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Children’s Health Defense, CDC, measles, vaccination rates
Source: Ars Technica · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing