The United States has recorded more than 5,000 measles cases so far this year, the highest annual figure in 35 years, according to data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). State health authorities have reported at least eight deaths, including among very young children; the disease has made a significant comeback in recent years, fuelled by declining vaccination rates and growing public distrust of health authorities.
The CDC confirmed 5,182 cases of the highly contagious disease in 2026, more than double the 2,289 cases recorded throughout 2025 and the highest number since 1991. Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, largely thanks to widespread vaccination, but has returned in recent years as public distrust of health authorities has grown.
Paediatric infectious disease specialist Dr Adam Ratner called the fatalities “tragic, and that is completely preventable”. He said Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-standing vaccine sceptic who has faced criticism for contributing to distrust, “does not believe that measles is a big problem and does not want to believe that there are deaths from measles”.
“The burden of these diseases will fall on children, who are not the ones who are making these decisions,” Ratner added. Measles typically causes fever, respiratory symptoms and a rash, and can lead to pneumonia or brain inflammation. Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, the CDC estimates 400 to 500 people died from the disease each year in the US.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The resurgence of a preventable disease signals a breakdown in public health efforts and could lead to further outbreaks if vaccination rates continue to fall.
- Measles can cause severe complications, especially in children; the deaths reported this year highlight the real-world consequences of declining immunisation.
- The criticism of Health Secretary Kennedy raises questions about federal leadership on vaccination policy and public health communication.
Background
Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, meaning the disease was no longer continuously present for more than 12 months. Elimination was achieved through high vaccination coverage. In recent years, vaccine hesitancy, fuelled by misinformation and political figures sceptical of vaccines, has driven down immunisation rates, allowing the virus to regain a foothold. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine sceptic, was appointed Health Secretary, drawing controversy.
Key Perspectives
Only one distinct position was reported in the source material, so this section is omitted.
What to Watch
- Whether the CDC or the Department of Health and Human Services announces any new vaccination campaigns or emergency measures.
- Whether Congress holds hearings or takes action on childhood vaccination requirements.
- Further statements from Health Secretary Kennedy or the White House on the outbreak.
Checked
10 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 7 supported.
Show each claim
- Partly supportedThe 2026 measles count is the highest annual total in 35 years.Euronews: “The United States has recorded more than 5,000 measles cases so far this year, the highest annual figure in 35 years”
- Partly supportedThe CDC confirmed 5,182 measles cases in 2026.Euronews: “A total of 5,182 confirmed cases of the highly contagious but vaccine-preventable disease have been reported nationwide in 2026, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)”
- SupportedRatner called the fatalities “tragic, and that is completely preventable”.Euronews: “Paediatric infectious disease specialist Adam Ratner told AFP that such fatalities were “tragic, and that is completely preventable”.”
- SupportedRatner said Kennedy does not believe measles is a big problem and does not want to believe there are deaths from measles.Euronews: ““Robert F. Kennedy Jr. does not believe that measles is a big problem and does not want to believe that there are deaths from measles,” Ratner said.”
- SupportedThe 5,182 cases are more than double the 2,289 cases recorded throughout 2025.Euronews: “The figure is more than double the 2,289 cases recorded throughout 2025”
- SupportedState health authorities have reported at least eight measles-related deaths, including among very young children.Euronews: “State health authorities have reported at least eight measles-related deaths, including among very young children.”
- SupportedDeclining vaccination rates and growing public distrust of health authorities have fuelled measles’ comeback.Euronews: “the disease has made a significant comeback in recent years, fuelled by declining vaccination rates and growing public distrust of health authorities.”
- Not in the sourcesAdam Ratner is a doctor.Euronews: “Paediatric infectious disease specialist Adam Ratner told AFP”
- SupportedMeasles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, largely as a result of widespread vaccination.Euronews: “Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, largely as a result of widespread vaccination.”
- SupportedBefore the vaccine was introduced in 1963, an estimated 400 to 500 people died from measles each year in the United States, according to the CDC.Euronews: “Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, an estimated 400 to 500 people died from the disease every year in the United States, according to the CDC.”
