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U.S. faces potential loss of measles elimination status as outbreak spreads across multiple states, officials warn.
Governor Josh Green of Hawaii delivered a scathing rebuke of the current measles crisis in the United States, calling it “absolutely public health malpractice” that is “completely preventable.” His comments came during a Tuesday news conference hosted by Protect Our Care, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit.
Green specifically criticized U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for spreading misinformation about vaccines, claiming the Trump administration has “allowed Secretary Kennedy to just run roughshod over policy” and laid “a foundation of distrust” that has led to “terrible outcomes.”
The criticism comes as the United States marks 12 consecutive months of measles transmission, putting the nation at risk of losing its measles elimination status. South Carolina is experiencing a particularly severe outbreak that began in October, with confirmed cases exceeding 640 and affecting numerous schools. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported new measles cases in at least nine other states this year.
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, an infectious disease physician and former director for CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, emphasized that the current situation represents the largest measles outbreak since 1991. He attributed this resurgence directly to Kennedy’s questioning of vaccine safety and efficacy.
“If we lose measles elimination status, it will be a clear indicator that our public health infrastructure needs urgent revitalization,” Daskalakis warned, “and that we must commit to science-driven policies rather than the ideological policies that we have seen in the last year.”
Health and Human Services press secretary Emily Hilliard pushed back against these accusations in a statement, calling them baseless. “Under Secretary Kennedy, CDC surged resources, and multiple states declared measles outbreaks over in 2025,” she said. Hilliard emphasized that all vaccines on the CDC schedule remain covered by insurance and that vaccination rates began declining before the current administration took office.
“Public confidence in health institutions was significantly undermined during the COVID era, particularly in states that imposed prolonged mandates and delivered inconsistent messaging,” Hilliard stated. “Those effects continue to be felt today.”
Governor Green, who led a critical medical mission to Samoa during a 2019 measles outbreak that resulted in 83 deaths, highlighted the serious nature of the disease. “It can cause pneumonia, it can cause encephalitis or brain inflammation, and it can cause permanent disability and death,” he said, noting that two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles.
Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician from South Carolina and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, described growing vaccine hesitancy among parents due to what she called “the rampant disinformation campaign led by RFK Jr.” She explained that while measles symptoms are often mild, the disease can lead to severe complications including respiratory failure, permanent neurological damage, or death.
Hawaii reported only two travel-related measles cases last year, though the virus has been detected in wastewater samples multiple times since. The state’s kindergarten MMR vaccination rate stands at 89.9% for the 2024-25 school year, below both the national average of 92.5% and the 95% threshold considered necessary for herd immunity against measles.
The state faces growing opposition to mandated vaccinations, with a grassroots campaign called “Keep Vaccinations Optional” recently holding events across the islands. The group opposes a legislative bill that would eliminate religious exemptions for school vaccinations in Hawaii.
According to the CDC, more than 2,200 confirmed measles cases were reported across 45 U.S. states in 2025, resulting in three deaths. As of mid-January this year, 171 cases have been reported, primarily among unvaccinated children or those with unknown vaccination status.
Health officials continue to emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective prevention strategy. The Hawaii Department of Health recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for all children, with the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years. Adults born after 1957 should have documentation of at least one MMR vaccination unless they have proven immunity or prior infection.
The HHS says it is providing South Carolina with $1.4 million in financial assistance and stands ready to support with vaccines and treatments as the outbreak continues.
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5 Comments
Losing the measles elimination status would be a major setback. Strong federal leadership and coordination with state/local governments is needed to combat this public health crisis. Vaccination remains the best defense against measles.
While the governor’s comments are blunt, they highlight the seriousness of the situation. Measles elimination is a significant public health achievement, and losing that status would be a major setback. Decisive action is needed to address this crisis.
Measles is a highly contagious disease, and outbreaks can strain healthcare systems. I hope the authorities can quickly identify the root causes and implement effective measures to protect communities, especially children, across the country.
This is a concerning development. Measles outbreaks can have serious public health consequences, especially for vulnerable populations. It’s critical that public officials and health authorities work together to address misinformation and promote vaccination.
The governor’s criticism of the federal response raises important questions. Responsible officials should be held accountable for allowing misinformation to spread and undermine public health efforts. Restoring trust in vaccines is crucial to containing outbreaks.