Florida Surgeon General Under Fire for Defying CDC Amid Measles Outbreak
Florida is once again facing a dangerous virus outbreak, and this time, the state’s top health official is under fire for defying conventional medical wisdom. Dr. Joseph Ladapo, the Surgeon General of Florida, is drawing criticism for his lax response to the state’s measles outbreak. Instead of urging parents to vaccinate their children, he has left the decision up to them, hinting at an anti-vax stance that has made him infamous during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is not the first time Ladapo has courted controversy during his tenure. He has been accused of altering a medical study to support fringe thinking and even ignored a request to wear a mask from a state senator who was vulnerable to COVID-19 due to her breast cancer. These actions have undermined the credibility of the surgeon general’s office and the Florida Department of Health.
The Palm Beach Post editorial board believes that it is time for a change. Florida deserves a credible public health leader, not someone who is more interested in politics than in protecting the well-being of the state’s residents. The Governor, Ron DeSantis, who appointed Ladapo, seems content with his performance so far. However, with the spread of measles becoming a growing concern, it may be time for him to reconsider.
Measles, a highly contagious disease, was nearly eradicated in the United States thanks to the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine introduced in 1963. However, misinformation about vaccines has led to a resurgence of the disease. It only takes two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective, to prevent measles. Despite this, Ladapo has become a prominent purveyor of misinformation, undermining the progress made in eradicating dangerous diseases.
Ladapo’s appointment as Surgeon General was controversial from the start. His association with America’s Frontline Doctors, a group known for promoting questionable cures, drew criticism. He has also been vocal in his criticism of COVID-19 vaccines and masks, going against the established medical consensus. His appointment to the University of Florida, along with his inability to secure grants and alter a state study on COVID-19 risks, has further damaged his reputation.
In response to the measles outbreak, Ladapo’s initial advisory to Broward County parents was confusing and equivocal. Instead of following federal guidelines and urging unvaccinated children to either get vaccinated or stay at home, he deferred the decision to the parents. This kind of ambiguity is not what is expected from a public health official during a potential crisis.
Given Ladapo’s track record and his recent response to the measles outbreak, it is unclear if he will ever prioritize public health over his anti-vaccination beliefs. For these reasons, it is clear that Florida would benefit from a new surgeon general who is committed to protecting the health and well-being of its residents.
