Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, will begin a tour of three states in the southwest on Monday. This is at a time when the measles epidemic has increased.
Kennedy was in Texas on Sunday to attend the funeral of the child who had died from the virus. Some have questioned his position on vaccinations in general. Under his direction, however, the Health and Human Services Department has continued to promote the measles vaccination and encourage parents to discuss it with their family doctor if needed.
The CDC reports that the measles epidemic continues to spread, with 607 confirmed cases in the United States and many more under review.
Kennedy’s tour included stops in New Mexico and Arizona. In Utah, a scheduled press briefing will include questions and responses about the state’s decision not to use fluoride for public water systems. Fluoride bans are being considered by several other states.
The Health and Human Services Department encourages municipal water systems to use fluoride as a way to prevent tooth decay. Dr. Bob Arnot, of Health Tech Without Borders, said that the problem with fluoride is when municipal water systems don’t measure how much it is added. He also said that fluoride concentrations higher than the recommended levels can cause health problems in children and seniors.