Former CDC Official Says RFK Jr. Sought 15 Years of Measles Data During 2,000-Case Outbreak
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 2
Former CDC Official Says RFK Jr. Sought 15 Years of Measles Data During 2,000-Case Outbreak
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 2
Summary
Dr. Debra Houry said Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his aides pressed CDC staff for 15 years of measles death data while officials were battling more than 2,000 U.S. cases last year.
Newly released emails she gave the Senate health committee show Houry told aides that the active outbreak response had to take priority, while she viewed the requests as aimed at supporting preexisting beliefs.
Houry also said Kennedy repeated false or misleading claims about the MMR vaccine and promoted vitamin A, steroids and antibiotics instead of vaccination during the outbreak.
CDC data showed 93% of measles patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, and Houry said misinformation undermined vaccination as children were hospitalized and two died in West Texas.
Her criticism adds to scrutiny of Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, after four senior CDC officials resigned last summer and hospitals reported vitamin A toxicity cases tied to outbreak-era messaging.
With U.S. global health leadership questioned, what are the long-term consequences for preventing the next pandemic?
After a court blocked controversial policy changes, what safeguards can prevent future political interference in public health science?
Measles Resurgence in America (2025-2026): RFK Jr., Vaccine Policy Upheaval, and the Erosion of Public Trust
Overview
Between 2025 and 2026, the United States saw a major resurgence of measles, a highly contagious airborne disease that can cause severe complications, especially in children and those with weak immune systems. As measles cases rose, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced strong criticism for his unclear stance on the MMR vaccine and his handling of the outbreaks. Kennedy was questioned in Congress about his vaccine views and federal response, but his lack of a clear endorsement for vaccination, along with his controversial actions, fueled public concern and highlighted the urgent need for strong, evidence-based public health leadership.