This is exactly why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently decided to withhold an internal risk assessment. This evaluation found a serious threat of measles epidemics occurring wherever vaccination levels were low. This decision has caused alarm within the CDC and among public health experts. This assessment was led by the CDC’s newly formed Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics. They grounded it in the context of new transmission patterns observed in a recent outbreak in Texas. The internal plan had the expert physician who was then leading the CDC’s measles response as the chief spokesperson. Then they changed their mind and called off the release.
The CDC defended its move by claiming that the review provided no new information to the public. A CDC staffer speaking under the condition of anonymity described the cancellation as “not normal whatsoever.” This comment indicates that there were sharp disagreements within the agency on the decision. Even while withholding the assessment, the CDC still insists that vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from measles.
Heightened Risk in Low Vaccination Areas
The CDC’s current risk assessment indicates a high risk of measles infection for those in areas surrounding outbreaks. This is particularly dire in places with low vaccination rates. The assessment was informed by recent disease data from an outbreak in Texas, highlighting the importance of closing vaccination gaps to prevent outbreaks. According to the CDC, an estimated 20% of people who are unvaccinated and get measles require hospitalization. The virus can remain suspended in the air for as long as two hours after an infected individual has exited a space.
Public health expert Jennifer Nuzzo tweeted about her surprise at the CDC’s capitulation to vaccine hesitancy by suggesting a nuanced approach to vaccination risk.
“I’m a bit stunned by that language.” – Jennifer Nuzzo
She urged advocates not to be discouraged, saying it’s not as grim and unsure as it appears.
“We’ve already had more cases of measles in 2025 than we had in 2024, and it’s spread to multiple states. It is not a coin toss at this point.” – Jennifer Nuzzo
Controversy Over Vaccination Messaging
The decision to hide the risk assessment has sparked widespread discussion about COVID-19 vaccine messaging from state public health leaders and transparency in government. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, something that deeply concerns the scientific community. A longtime vaccine skeptic, Robert F. He attempted to minimize the threat of a recent outbreak after an unvaccinated child died from measles in Texas. Kennedy believes that vaccination should be an informed personal choice and encourages everyone to discuss their vaccination options with their doctor.
“The decision to vaccinate is a personal one.” – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Andrew G. Nixon, a spokesperson for Kennedy, said as much. Finally, he made a strong case for transparency regarding the decision-making in public health.
“It is important that the American people have radical transparency and be informed to make personal healthcare decisions.” – Andrew G. Nixon
Treatment Innovations and Public Health Implications
In light of recent measles cases, healthcare providers in Texas have reported promising treatment outcomes using a combination of steroids, antibiotics, and cod liver oil, which is rich in Vitamin A. This approach has led to “almost miraculous and instantaneous recovery” in patients, offering new hope for managing the illness.
The CDC has indeed made some big strides. The agency continues to assert that vaccination is still the best and most effective measure to prevent an outbreak of measles. The organization just made an important addition to their clinician-facing measles website to add advice about the role of Vitamin A in treating the disease.
The internal decision by the CDC to withhold their assessment has raised questions about internal priorities and potential political influences within health agencies. In a DOE report that leaked to POLITICO last week, one unnamed CDC staffer raised worries about the internal motivations.
“Some individuals at the CDC seem more interested in protecting their own status or agenda rather than aligning with this Administration and the true mission of public health.” – Andrew G. Nixon
