Measles Outbreaks and the HHS Response Under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The recent surge in measles cases across the United States has highlighted a critical gap in public health leadership, with states and local medical professionals largely left to combat the outbreaks while the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under the direction of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced scrutiny for its response. This situation underscores the challenges of addressing infectious diseases when federal guidance is lacking and misinformation persists.

State Responses to Measles Outbreaks: A Tale of Two Approaches

While a cohesive national strategy is absent, individual states have adopted varying approaches to address the rising number of measles cases. The contrasting responses of Texas and New Mexico to outbreaks in 2024 and 2025 offer valuable lessons.

Texas and New Mexico: A Comparative Analysis

Texas declared its outbreak over on August 18, 2025, after recording 762 cases. In contrast, New Mexico concluded its outbreak on September 26, 2025, with a total of 99 cases. A recent CDC study identified a key difference in these outcomes: New Mexico experienced a significant increase in measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations following the outbreak’s onset.

Between January and September 2025, MMR vaccinations in New Mexico increased by 55% compared to the same period in 2024. This surge suggests a direct correlation between heightened awareness of the outbreak and increased vaccination rates.

New Mexico’s Proactive Strategy

New Mexico’s success stemmed from a coordinated, data-driven response. State officials assessed local vaccination coverage, monitored real-time vaccine inventories, and implemented targeted mobile vaccination delivery programs. A comprehensive communication strategy included:

• 12 health advisories to clinicians
• 26 press releases to the public
• 184 social media posts
• A regularly updated measles outbreak data page in both English and Spanish
• A dedicated measles helpline, which received over 2,000 calls

Officials explicitly stated that their response was informed by lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of rapid communication and proactive intervention.

Federal Leadership and the Role of HHS

The contrasting outcomes in Texas and New Mexico raise questions about the role of federal leadership in managing infectious disease outbreaks. The CDC study suggests that the strategies implemented in New Mexico could serve as a model for other states. However, critics argue that this responsibility should primarily rest with HHS, given its mandate to protect and advance the health of Americans.

The lack of a strong federal response has been particularly concerning given Secretary Kennedy Jr.’s past statements and actions regarding vaccines. In March 2025, Kennedy shifted his stance on the US measles outbreak, calling it “serious” after previously describing it as “not unusual” . A federal judge temporarily blocked Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine agenda in March 2026, pausing changes to vaccine policy, including restructuring the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and overhauling the childhood vaccine schedule .

As of April 16, 2025, Secretary Kennedy Jr. Held a news conference on the Autism report by the CDC and on April 18, 2025, attended a swearing in ceremony for Dr. Mehmet Oz to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services .

Looking Ahead

The measles outbreaks of 2024 and 2025 serve as a stark reminder of the importance of robust public health infrastructure, effective communication, and strong federal leadership. Addressing vaccine hesitancy and ensuring equitable access to vaccinations are crucial steps in preventing future outbreaks and protecting the health of communities nationwide.