'Amnesia' about measles risk and low vaccination rates have helped US infections grow

Measles, a highly contagious virus capable of causing severe illness or death, has returned with a vengeance in the United States. According to the US Measles Tracker, infections have reached a 35-year high, surpassing the total number of cases reported in 2025. The surge in cases stems from declining vaccination rates, leaving pockets of susceptible individuals vulnerable to the virus.

Measles spreads easily through airborne droplets released when infected individuals breathe, talk or cough. Notably, people can transmit the virus even before displaying symptoms, as they become contagious around four days prior to the onset of the characteristic rash. The virus's extreme contagion, coupled with its ability to spread before symptoms appear, exacerbates the risk of outbreaks in under-vaccinated communities.

While vaccination has largely eliminated measles from the US, the disappearance of the disease has also led to a decline in public awareness of its dangers. Experts warn that the resurgence of measles cases could lead to the US losing its measles-elimination status, which it has held since 2000. The consequences of measles can extend far beyond the initial fever and spots, with potential long-term effects including suppressed immune systems and a rare but fatal brain disease.