Dr. Pan Statement on Rising Measles Outbreaks and Kevin Kiley’s Dangerous Anti-Vaccine Rhetoric
Sacramento, CA — As measles outbreaks increase nationwide including recent cases in Placer and Sacramento counties brought by unvaccinated children, Dr. Richard Pan, pediatrician, health advocate, and candidate for Congress in CA-06, released the following statement:
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know — and it is entirely preventable,” said Dr. Richard Pan. “When vaccination rates fall, children get sick and families and taxpayers foot the bill.”
Recent national reporting shows measles outbreaks are costing millions of dollars in emergency response, hospitalizations, contact tracing, and public health surveillance, with long-term costs potentially reaching far higher if vaccination rates continue to decline. In California, public health officials have reported that pockets of unvaccinated communities are fueling outbreaks and requiring intensive monitoring and intervention.
“As a pediatrician, I see families struggling with both their child’s illness and the financial pressures that illness imposes on the family.” Dr. Pan said. “Even a mild illness causing a parent to miss work is difficult, while serious diseases like measles that can lead to hospitalization and even permanent disability can put families into significant debt. Outbreaks disrupt schools and businesses, strain local health departments, and drive up health care premiums for everyone.”
Dr. Pan noted that this moment underscores a clear contrast in the CA-06 race.
“In the Legislature, I took on vaccine misinformation and strengthened California’s immunization laws to prevent disease and protect children,” Dr. Pan said. “Kevin Kiley chose a different path – aligning himself with anti-vaccine MAGA RFK Jr. rhetoric and opposing science-based public health policies. That kind of politics makes our communities less affordable and less safe.”
Dr. Pan recognizes that achieving high vaccination rates is among the most cost-effective health strategies.
“At a time when families are already struggling with affordability, we should not increase health care costs by spreading preventable diseases," Dr. Pan said. “This race is about having a representative who follows science and facts, or chooses to promote disinformation and division. Prevention saves lives – and money.”
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Dr. Richard Pan is a pediatrician, educator, small business owner and Former State Senator dedicated to keeping California’s families healthy and safe. In the State Senate, he championed landmark child and school safety laws and lowered the uninsured rate among children by two-thirds – taking on RFK Jr. twice after preventable disease outbreaks. A Harvard-trained pediatrician and UC Davis professor, he has cared for underserved children, trained future doctors and co-founded Healthy Kids Healthy Future, providing health coverage to more than 65,000 kids.
Known for flipping his state legislative seat from Red to Blue, Dr. Pan is a proven fighter who brings people together to get results — expanding access to health care, strengthening schools, and improving public safety. A husband, father, and small business owner, he understands the challenges families face and is running for Congress to make government work for people again, so every child and family in California has the chance to succeed.
