As Measles
Cases Surpass 1,000, Secretary Azar Reinforces Commitment to
Vaccination
On June 5, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) reported that the number of measles cases
nationwide so far in 2019 was 1,001. Health and Human Services
Secretary Alex Azar released the following statement:
“The Department of Health and Human Services has been
deeply engaged in promoting the safety and effectiveness of
vaccines, amid concerning signs that there are pockets of
undervaccination around the country. The 1,000th case of a
preventable disease like measles is a troubling reminder of how
important that work is to the public health of the nation. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alongside others across
HHS, will continue our efforts to support local health departments
and healthcare providers in responding to this situation, with the
ultimate goal of stopping the outbreak and the spread of
misinformation about vaccines, and increasing the public’s
confidence in vaccines to help all Americans live healthier lives,
safe from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“We cannot say this enough: Vaccines are a safe and
highly effective public health tool that can prevent this disease
and end the current outbreak. The measles vaccine is among the
most-studied medical products we have and is given safely to
millions of children and adults each year. Measles is an incredibly
contagious and dangerous disease. I encourage all Americans to talk
to your doctor about what vaccines are recommended to protect you,
your family, and your community from measles and other
vaccine-preventable diseases.”
In response to the current situation, CDC has:
·
Implemented an Incident Management Structure (IMS)
within the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory
Diseases to respond to the measles outbreaks.
·
Reinforced to healthcare providers the guidelines for
recognition and prevention of measles.
·
Developed a toolkit with resources for physicians
about measles and vaccines and has begun implementing a strategy to
address vaccine hesitancy, including creating new resources and
updating existing ones to counter misinformation.
·
Undertaken outreach to rabbinical, camp, and medical
associations to help spread clear, consistent, and credible vaccine
information through trusted sources.
·
Deployed a field team to Rockland County, NY, to
provide technical assistance with case identification and contact
tracing.
·
Continued to work with local communities to figure out
how to develop culturally appropriate communications resources for
affected areas in New York.
·
Since January 1, 2019, conducted 73 air contact
investigations for measles and identified over 1,500 individuals
who were exposed to the measles virus during travel.
·
Deployed an immunization program project officer to
Albany.
In addition to regular, ongoing efforts supporting
vaccination across the department, HHS leadership undertook a
significant push during National Infant Immunization Week earlier
in May, reaching tens of millions of Americans with messages about
the safety and efficacy of vaccines, which will continue in the
coming months.
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