WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released a statement following the Texas Department of State Health Services formally declaring the end of the measles outbreak in West Texas. It has been more than 42 days since a new measles case was reported in any of the counties that previously had ongoing transmission.
“I commend the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Trump administration for their work to stop this measles outbreak, saving lives in Texas and beyond,” said Dr. Cassidy. “But this tragedy was entirely preventable, and work must continue to curb outbreaks in other states. Misinformation about the measles vaccine fueled the spread of this outbreak, killing three Americans and hospitalizing many more. No child in the United States should ever die of a vaccine-preventable disease.”
“The measles vaccine is effective, safe, and the best way to protect yourself and your family from contracting this deadly disease. I encourage every parent to vaccinate their child to prevent needless death in the future,” continued Dr. Cassidy.
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