Summary

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reversed his stance on a measles outbreak in Texas, now calling it a “top priority” after initially describing it as “not unusual.” This shift comes after the first U.S. measles death in a decade was reported.

Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine views, announced his department would send 2,000 MMR vaccine doses to Texas.

CDC data shows 164 measles cases reported across nine jurisdictions as of February 27, with approximately 95% of infected individuals being unvaccinated.

Meanwhile, Kennedy’s HHS department plans to eliminate public participation in many agency policy decisions, contradicting his previous promise of “radical transparency.”