As the disastrous measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico continues to spread, HHS secretary Kennedy continues to spout misinformation about measles relating it to diet and exercise. He continues to downplay this outbreak claiming that there were 16 outbreaks last year and only two this year. That is true but very misleading. The current outbreak in Texas and New Mexico already has many more cases than last year’s 16 outbreaks, and it is still far from being under control. As of March 8, there were 198 confirmed cases in Texas with 23 hospitalizations and one death. In New Mexico there have been 30 documented cases with one death. The major cause of this outbreak is the large increase in the number of parents who decline to have their children immunized. For years, Mr. Kennedy has promoted disinformation regarding vaccines, especially the MMR vaccine. Now, many children and their families are paying the price for his ignorance. Measles is a very serious disease. One in 5 unvaccinated children need to be hospitalized, and almost 20% of children develop pneumonia. About one in 1000 children develop encephalitis which can lead to seizures, loss of hearing and intellectual disabilities.

Right here in New Hampshire, the legislature is moving forward on a number of anti-vaccine bills that will result in more disease, higher medical costs and social disruption. All of which could and should be prevented by using safe and effective proven public health tools.

Richard DiPentima

Portsmouth