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Measles cases in 2026 are set to surpass last year's total. Here's why
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • health
Key Points:
- The United States is on track to surpass the total number of measles cases reported in 2025, with 2,231 cases reported as of July 9, nearing last year's total of 2,289 cases, the highest in over 30 years.
- Declining vaccination rates, diminished fear of measles, loss of trust in public health institutions, and unclear communication from officials are cited as key factors driving the surge in cases.
- Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to effective vaccination campaigns, but recent data shows a drop in MMR vaccination rates among kindergartners, contributing to increased outbreaks.
- Public trust in health authorities has waned since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to skepticism about vaccine recommendations and the spread of misinformation about measles and vaccines on social media.
- Criticism has been directed at both the CDC and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for inadequate early response and mixed messaging, with experts calling for improved vaccine education in school curricula to counter misinformation.
