U.S. measles outbreak the worst in 35 years: official data
The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with over 2,300 cases reported in 2026. Health experts attribute the surge to declining vaccination rates and the influence of anti-vaccine sentiment, specifically criticizing the role of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Why it matters
The resurgence of a previously eradicated disease poses a significant public health threat and highlights the impact of vaccine hesitancy on national health outcomes.
The United States is in the midst of its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, according to official figures released Friday, July 24, 2026, amid a serious uptick in cases as vaccine hesitancy grows.
Since 2026 began, 2,318 confirmed cases of the highly contagious illness have been recorded, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That surpasses the total for 2025, a year that had already shattered records, with 2,289 cases and three deaths including two young children.
"We are witnessing an avoidable crisis that disproportionally hurts children," said Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "We should not accept this as our new normal."
Measles causes fever, respiratory symptoms and skin rashes. In some cases, it can also lead to more severe complications including pneumonia and brain inflammation, which can lead to serious long-term impacts and death.
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