US Measles Outbreak Sparks Urgent Call to Vaccinate as Country Brings Back Epidemic Status
The United States is witnessing a historic resurgence of measles cases, with over 3,000 reported infections in 45 states since the start of 2025. The alarming surge has already claimed the lives of two unvaccinated children, and nearly all infected individuals in South Carolina and Texas were found to be unimmunized.
In an attempt to combat the rising number of cases, Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is now urging Americans to get vaccinated against measles. "Take the vaccine, please," he said on CNN's State of Union, adding that while some illnesses are not equally dangerous or contagious, measles should be a priority.
Oz's appeal comes almost a year after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called for more vaccines in Texas to combat an outbreak. However, it is worth noting that Kennedy has been a vocal vaccine skeptic, which may undermine the credibility of his message.
While Dr. Oz has generally taken a more neutral stance on vaccination issues, he did express skepticism about the effectiveness of the flu vaccine earlier this year. "Every year, there's a flu vaccine; it doesn't always work very well," he said.
Measles, one of the most contagious diseases known, can lead to severe consequences, including immune system suppression and increased susceptibility to other infections. With over 25 years since the US declared itself measles-free, this resurgence raises concerns about public health and vaccination policies.
As the country teeters on the brink of losing its measles elimination status, it is essential that Americans take proactive measures to protect themselves against this highly infectious disease. By getting vaccinated, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting measles and help prevent outbreaks in their communities.
The United States is witnessing a historic resurgence of measles cases, with over 3,000 reported infections in 45 states since the start of 2025. The alarming surge has already claimed the lives of two unvaccinated children, and nearly all infected individuals in South Carolina and Texas were found to be unimmunized.
In an attempt to combat the rising number of cases, Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is now urging Americans to get vaccinated against measles. "Take the vaccine, please," he said on CNN's State of Union, adding that while some illnesses are not equally dangerous or contagious, measles should be a priority.
Oz's appeal comes almost a year after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called for more vaccines in Texas to combat an outbreak. However, it is worth noting that Kennedy has been a vocal vaccine skeptic, which may undermine the credibility of his message.
While Dr. Oz has generally taken a more neutral stance on vaccination issues, he did express skepticism about the effectiveness of the flu vaccine earlier this year. "Every year, there's a flu vaccine; it doesn't always work very well," he said.
Measles, one of the most contagious diseases known, can lead to severe consequences, including immune system suppression and increased susceptibility to other infections. With over 25 years since the US declared itself measles-free, this resurgence raises concerns about public health and vaccination policies.
As the country teeters on the brink of losing its measles elimination status, it is essential that Americans take proactive measures to protect themselves against this highly infectious disease. By getting vaccinated, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting measles and help prevent outbreaks in their communities.