CDC Deputy Director Unclear On How It’s His Job To Prevent Contagious Diseases Like Measles South Carolina is experiencing its largest measles outbreak since 2000, with 876 cases reported. The article argues that this surge is an “American policy problem” linked to the rise of anti-vaccination sentiments, particularly among Republicans. It criticizes health officials like Ralph Abraham and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy for downplaying the issue and for policies that may be contributing to the spread, such as outdated information on vaccine-autism links.

• South Carolina has reported 876 measles cases, the largest outbreak in the US since 2000.
• A Texas ICE detention center reported two cases among 300 imprisoned children.
• The article criticizes CDC Principal Deputy Director Ralph Abraham for dismissing measles as ‘the cost of doing business’.
• Outbreaks are now largely originating domestically, unlike in the past.
• Vaccination hesitancy has become a ‘badge of honor’ for a significant portion of Republicans.
• The US saw a 34-year high of over 2200 measles cases last year.
• Abraham argued against blaming US policy or the HHS Secretary for outbreaks, citing global trends and other countries with measles.
• The article refutes Abraham’s claims by referencing fraudulent studies linking vaccines to autism and highlighting the importance of herd immunity.
• Despite high US immunization coverage, breakthrough cases occur, emphasizing the need for herd immunity.
• The article attributes the problem to ‘anti-vaxx lunatics’ in health centers and the partisan politicization of vaccinations.
• It argues that respecting communities that choose not to vaccinate endangers vulnerable populations like immunocompromised individuals and unvaccinated children.