Robert F. Kennedy Jr. downplays measles risks and vaccine necessity

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has drawn criticism for downplaying the risks of infectious diseases, specifically regarding a recent spike in measles cases in the United States.

During a Fox News town hall, Kennedy referred to recent measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania as ‘so-called measles deaths’ and suggested that media and politicians use infectious diseases to create fear. He argued that foodborne illnesses cause significantly more annual deaths than infectious diseases. Kennedy also expressed skepticism regarding the necessity of mandatory vaccines, suggesting that the current lack of disease is a result of a perceived lack of natural risk.

Public health experts, including Dr. Jake Scott of Stanford University, have challenged these assertions. Experts noted that the rarity of measles deaths in the U.S. is a direct consequence of high MMR vaccine coverage, noting that prior to widespread vaccination, the country experienced hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of hospitalizations annually.