CDC Director Erica Schwartz on Disagreements and Measles Controversy

Erica Schwartz, the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), discussed her working relationship with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a recent interview with Atlanta News First. Schwartz explained that she isn’t afraid to disagree with Kennedy but emphasized that any disputes will be addressed privately.

“In the uniformed services, we have something called ‘but sir, but ma’am,’ which means you can disagree with your superiors,” Schwartz stated. “Secretary Kennedy and I have worked together for five weeks now, and there have been a few ‘but sirs’ behind closed doors.”

Despite any disagreements, Schwartz acknowledged that Kennedy holds the final authority as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“At the end of the day, he’s going to make the decisions,” she said.

This approach contrasts with former CDC director Susan Monarez, who openly challenged Kennedy’s stance on vaccines and was dismissed shortly afterward.

Schwartz’s appointment raised concerns among some Democrats and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) regarding her capacity to challenge Kennedy’s policies. Her past support for childhood vaccines positioned her as a steady choice to restore stability at the CDC; however, recent events have led to criticism.

Amid a severe measles outbreak, Schwartz instructed the CDC not to count four measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania in the official statistics. This decision came after Kennedy publicly claimed the reports were “fabricated.” Schwartz explained that the CDC does not have a standard definition of a measles-related death, likening the issue to previous debates about COVID-19 fatalities. Pennsylvania officials, however, reported their definition aligns with how respiratory virus deaths are usually classified by the CDC.

In other health policy news: President Trump announced that all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico have applied to join a proposal aimed at reducing Medicaid drug prices. Trump expressed confidence in this initiative’s potential political benefits. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services confirmed that 40 states and Puerto Rico have already signed agreements.

Meanwhile, health officials in Philadelphia alerted the public to potential measles exposure at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Exposure was reported on September 11, affecting specific locations and times at the hospital.

In New York City, a second fatality linked to the Legionnaires’ disease cluster in the South Bronx has been reported. Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin confirmed the death and extended condolences to the affected families.

For broader context on public health developments, Kennedy recently assured members of an anti-vaccine group that they have allies in the current administration. He spoke at an event hosted by Children’s Health Defense, an organization he co-founded.