America isn't prepared for what comes after the measles crisis

Key Points:

• In the first quarter of 2026, the U.S. recorded approximately 1,600 measles cases, nearly matching the total for all of 2025, threatening to lose its measles elimination status achieved in 2000 due to over a year of continuous spread.
• Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delayed a Pan American Health Organization meeting that was expected to confirm the loss of elimination status, amid rising measles outbreaks and declining vaccination rates under his leadership.
• Kennedy has faced congressional hearings but has declined to support vaccine guidance from CDC nominee Dr. Erica Schwartz and has rebuffed responsibility for the outbreaks, which include 17 separate incidents nationwide, notably in South Carolina and Utah.
• Public health systems are struggling with underreporting, inconsistent data, and delayed responses, exemplified by Florida’s inadequate outbreak communication and data transparency, leaving communities ill-prepared to respond.
• Kennedy's overhaul of vaccine advisory panels and promotion of misinformation have undermined public trust and vaccine confidence, increasing the risk of infectious disease resurgence and endangering vulnerable populations dependent on herd immunity.