"People are choosing this fate": Measles will get worse before it gets better

Key Points:

• The U.S. is experiencing a significant resurgence of measles, with over 1,600 cases reported as of April 3, 2026, already on track to surpass the 2,286 cases recorded in 2025, the highest since 1991.
• Most cases (94%) are linked to outbreaks beginning in 2025, predominantly among unvaccinated individuals (92%), with hospitalizations occurring in 5% of cases this year, down from 11% in 2025; no deaths have been reported in 2026 so far.
• Experts warn that measles complications can be severe, including pneumonia and encephalitis, and emphasize the importance of vaccination, which is highly effective with two doses providing nearly 99% protection.
• The Trump administration has delayed a key review of the U.S.'s measles-free status until after the midterm elections, amidst concerns that anti-vaccine rhetoric and decreased trust in public health following the COVID-19 pandemic are fueling the outbreaks.
• Public health officials fear measles is becoming endemic in the U.S., potentially normalizing outbreaks similar to the 1990s, with experts urging immediate action on vaccination and surveillance to contain the spread.