U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senator Ben Ray Lujan and 11 other colleagues, has urged Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to take immediate action against the spread of measles in the United States. The disease, previously declared eliminated over two decades ago, has reemerged with at least 223 cases reported across 13 jurisdictions.
The lawmakers stressed the urgency of addressing this public health concern: “It is imperative that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) act immediately and robustly to stop the spread of this preventable infection and save American lives.” The states affected include Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported serious symptoms in 38 individuals hospitalized due to measles complications. Tragically, two deaths have occurred—one in Texas and another in New Mexico—the first such fatalities in a decade.
Senators emphasized the need for increased vaccination rates as a critical measure to combat outbreaks: “More must be done to increase vaccination rates against measles... it is critical that HHS utilize its authorities to promote vaccination against measles as the most effective way to prevent infection.”
They also highlighted issues with public health workforce shortages and called for reinstating workers fired during the Trump administration: “We urgently request that you reinstate all fired federal health workers and protect those remaining from termination to help stop the spread of measles and other infectious diseases.”
Additionally signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), the letter calls for a national vaccination campaign.
The letter urges Secretary Kennedy to ensure CDC's full operational capacity amid ongoing outbreaks. They request frequent updates on case data and express concern over changes affecting the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
In conclusion, the senators demand urgent measures: "To mitigate further spread of this life-threatening disease... launch a national vaccination campaign." They await a detailed response from HHS by March 18.