Former FDA Commissioner Warns of Spreading Measles Outbreak in Texas

Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb Warns of Escalating Measles Outbreak in Texas

Scott Gottlieb, former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner, raised alarming concerns about a growing measles outbreak in Texas during an interview on CBS News’s Face the Nation on Sunday. Focusing on the South Plains region, where numerous children have already been affected, Gottlieb predicted the outbreak could worsen significantly.

“There have been 100 confirmed measles cases so far, but the actual number is likely higher,” Gottlieb said. “I expect this could climb into the hundreds and take months to control.” His warning comes as the Texas Department of State Health Services reports at least 90 confirmed cases, with 16 hospitalizations. Notably, only five of those infected had received the measles vaccine, raising questions about vaccination rates.

Measles Outbreak in Texas: A Growing Public Health Crisis

The Texas Department of State Health Services suggests underreporting may hide the true scope of the outbreak. Gottlieb underscored the contagious nature of measles, stating, “With such a high concentration in one community, it’s only a matter of time before it spreads further.” Measles, a highly infectious virus, thrives in areas with low vaccination coverage—a trend Gottlieb linked to vaccine hesitancy nationwide.

Addressing skepticism fueled by figures like Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Gottlieb defended the measles vaccine’s efficacy. “The vaccine is highly effective and remains one of the best tools to protect public health,” he asserted. With nearly 27% of infected children in West Texas and New Mexico requiring hospitalization, he called measles “a very dangerous virus” that could lead to severe illness and long-term health complications.

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Economic and Global Implications of Measles Spread

Beyond health risks, Gottlieb highlighted potential economic fallout. “If the measles outbreak continues to grow, other countries might issue travel advisories for the U.S.,” he cautioned. This could impact tourism and trade, adding urgency to containment efforts. “A virus we had nearly eradicated in the U.S. could reemerge and persist, even at low levels,” he added.

Why Vaccination Rates Matter

The current outbreak underscores the critical role of vaccination in preventing measles. With Texas among the states reporting declining immunization rates, experts warn that unvaccinated populations are driving the resurgence of this preventable disease. Gottlieb’s comments serve as a stark reminder of the stakes involved as health officials work to curb the spread.

For the latest updates on the Texas measles outbreak and vaccination recommendations, stay informed through trusted public health sources.