United States: Funding cuts under Trump have put public health offices that track and prevent measles on the hook as the country confronts a deadly measles outbreak.
In the outbreak, Texas has been the focal point, with more than half of all measles cases reported in about 20 states since January. Now that the feds are cutting, the hardest-hit state of Texas is beginning to feel the brunt, as reported by The Hills.
CDC Funding Freeze Hits Local Programs
A federal funding freeze has affected three funding grants out of several in the Dallas County area that were given out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Officials are early in estimating the millions of dollars required to rebuild the town.
Overall, there is estimated to be a national loss of roughly $11.4 billion as a result of the loss of community health departments nationwide.
Clinics Canceled, Staff Let Go
The consequence is that 50 vaccine clinics in Texas have been canceled as places where they are trying to fight an outbreak that has largely affected those unvaccinated.
In addition, more than 20 public health workers have been laid off — including those who administer vaccines and lab staff who are responsible for measles surveillance and prevention.
Measles Cases Climb as Response Slows
As reported by the State Department of Health, Texas has registered more than 420 measles cases since January, and the cuts in funding are hindering local efforts to contain the spread, as reported by The Hills.
Fears are that cuts will mean the number of cases will increase since the limits to surveillance and vaccines will be decreased.
In the meantime, they are using still active networks of clinics to deliver the vaccine and warn of the outbreak.