The Brian Lehrer Show The Trump Administration and America's Worst Measles Outbreak in Decades
Sep 2, 2025
Amy Maxmen, a public health correspondent and editor at KFF Health News, dives into the largest measles outbreak in the U.S. in three decades, highlighting the Trump administration's interference with the CDC's response. She discusses the outbreak's devastating impacts, including over 4,500 infections and 16 deaths. Vaccine hesitancy and alarming self-treatment trends, like excessive vitamin A use, exacerbate the crisis. Maxmen also reflects on how political pressure is eroding trust in health agencies and complicating public health efforts.
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Outbreak Grew While CDC Was Muted
- The U.S. faced its largest measles outbreak in 30 years starting in West Texas while CDC communication was frozen after a change in administration.
- Amy Maxmen shows federal turmoil delayed response and allowed spread and deaths that might have been prevented.
Deaths And Cross‑Border Spread
- Two unvaccinated Texas children died and linked cases caused at least 16 deaths including several in Mexico.
- A visiting child from a Mennonite community in Texas sparked a large outbreak in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Administrative Chaos Hampered Response
- After the new administration took office, CDC communications and staffing were disrupted, leaving scientists afraid to reach out to local health officials.
- That delay meant CDC experts did not promptly advise West Texas when local officials urgently sought help.