Senator Bill Cassidy links Trump vaccine policy to rising US measles deaths

measles outbreak vaccine policy public health Pennsylvania Senate Health Committee

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy has criticized the Trump administration’s vaccination policies, linking them to a significant rise in measles cases and deaths across the United States. Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Health Committee, noted that the country is facing its most severe measles outbreak in over 35 years. In Pennsylvania, three deaths have been confirmed, with a fourth currently under investigation.

A dispute has emerged between Pennsylvania state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the classification of these fatalities. Pennsylvania Health Secretary Debra Bogen stated that the state would rescind its request for federal emergency assistance if the CDC does not officially recognize the four measles-associated deaths. The CDC, however, maintains that it has not received a formal request through proper channels and that federal agencies will not allow the process to be politicized.

During Senate proceedings, Cassidy also questioned Dr. Nicole Saphier, the administration’s nominee for surgeon general, regarding the link between vaccines and autism. Saphier stated she does not believe childhood vaccines cause autism and described the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine as a vital tool for combating the disease.

Separately, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health issued a localized warning for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) following a potential measles exposure on September 11.

Entities

Bill Cassidy · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Donald Trump · Nicole Saphier · Pennsylvania · Robert F. Kennedy Jr. · Senate Health Committee

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The Philadelphia Department of Public Health issued a warning regarding potential measles exposure at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on September 11. www.it-boltwise.de
[● 5 SOURCES] The United States is experiencing its most severe measles outbreak in over 35 years. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · internewscast.com · www.metropolitan.si
[● 5 SOURCES] Three people have died from a measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, with a fourth death under review. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · internewscast.com · www.metropolitan.si
[○ 1 SOURCE] Pennsylvania has requested emergency assistance from the CDC but will rescind the request if the agency does not recognize four measles-associated deaths. www.aljazeera.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Surgeon general nominee Dr. Nicole Saphier stated she does not believe childhood vaccines cause autism. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · internewscast.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The CDC has not received Pennsylvania’s request for assistance through normal channels. www.aljazeera.com
[● 5 SOURCES] Senator Bill Cassidy blamed the Trump administration’s vaccination policies for the rise in measles deaths. haitigazette.com · stvincenttribune.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · internewscast.com · www.metropolitan.si