In her debut interview since taking charge of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Erica Schwartz conveyed her stance on collaboration with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Atlanta News First. Schwartz assured she is open to disagreement with Kennedy, but these disagreements will be handled privately.
In the uniformed services, we have something called ‘but sir, but ma’am,’ which basically means you can disagree with your superiors,explained Schwartz.Secretary Kennedy and I have worked together for five weeks now, and I can tell you there have been a few ‘but sirs’ behind closed doors.
Schwartz acknowledged Kennedy’s ultimate authority, stating, At the end of the day, he’s the Secretary of HHS, and at the end of the day, he’s going to make the decisions.
Schwartz’s approach contrasts with former CDC Director Susan Monarez, who opposed Kennedy’s vaccine policies and was dismissed shortly after taking office. Despite being considered a competent choice due to her background, Schwartz has faced skepticism from Democrats and GOP members like Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). Concerns revolve around her readiness to confront Kennedy’s directives and promote scientific perspectives.
Amid ongoing measles outbreaks, Schwartz has become a focal point of criticism for the CDC’s stance on four suspected measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania. Her decision not to incorporate these deaths in official counts followed Kennedy’s public dismissal of the reports as fabricated.
The political tension between Kennedy and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) added complexity to the issue. During a recent event, Kennedy reiterated his doubts, calling the deaths alleged.
Schwartz described the contention as a technical debate, suggesting the CDC lacks a uniform definition of measles-related fatalities.
Drawing parallels to COVID-19 classification disputes, Schwartz noted, If someone got hit by a bus, and they happened to have COVID, often that was called a COVID-related death,
illustrating the challenges in defining measles-related cases. Pennsylvania officials maintain their classification based on CDC’s criteria for respiratory virus deaths, excluding unrelated events like accidents.
Essential healthcare updates: President Trump announced that all states and territories have applied to participate in a strategy aimed at reducing drug prices for Medicaid, with agreements signed by forty states and Puerto Rico.
Philadelphia faces potential measles exposure at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Health officials pinpointed the exposure to specific locations and times within the hospital’s NICU.
In New York City, a second fatality has emerged in the South Bronx’s Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, according to the city’s health commissioner. Thirteen residents have tested positive, with ongoing investigations.
In other news: RFK Jr. declared steadfast support for Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine organization, during a conference, acknowledging backing from the Trump administration.