Measles Threatens the United States.. Health Official Warns of the Need for Vaccination

A senior American health official has warned about the spread of measles in the United States, urging citizens to get vaccinated, as cases of outbreaks increase in several states, amid fears of the country losing its status as a "measles-free" nation.

Dr. Mohamed Oz, director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, told CNN that measles poses a particular danger, emphasizing that the vaccine is a fundamental and effective protection for all age groups.

Increasing Outbreaks

Several states have recently reported waves of outbreaks, notably:

South Carolina: A significant surge exceeding previous numbers in Texas.

Utah and Arizona: Cases detected along the border between the two states and other areas.

The majority of infections are concentrated among children, which public health experts attribute to declining vaccination rates and increased vaccine skepticism.

Confirmation of Vaccine Availability

Oz confirmed that the measles vaccine is fully covered under Medicare and Medicaid programs, and there are no barriers to obtaining it, stressing that it is a fundamental part of the national immunization schedule.

Political and Medical Controversy Over Vaccines

The warnings come amid ongoing political controversy, especially following statements by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously questioned vaccines and their relation to autism, a stance rejected by most medical experts.

Experts point out that conflicting messages from health officials and politicians threaten public trust in vaccines, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the spread of misinformation about vaccinations.

Prevention Advice

Public health experts believe that vaccination is the safest and most effective means of protection against measles, especially for children, emphasizing the necessity for families to adhere to immunization schedules to avoid a resurgence of the disease.