Public health experts warn of rising measles cases across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as vaccination rates drop.
Alarming Spike in Measles Cases
A top health expert has warned the world may now be in a “post-herd-immunity” stage. Measles is coming back fast in areas with low vaccine rates. Dr. Paul Offit, a well-known vaccine expert from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said the drop in vaccine coverage is to blame.
In the United States, the largest measles outbreak in 25 years is happening. It began in west Texas and has spread to nearby states like Oklahoma and New Mexico. So far, three people have died—two children and one adult. As of May 1, the CDC says 935 cases have been confirmed across 30 states. About one-third of children under five who got sick had to go to the hospital.
Measles Spreads Beyond the U.S.
The outbreak is not limited to the U.S. Canada and Mexico are also reporting rising cases. The World Health Organization says the total number of cases in the region is now about 2,300. That’s 11 times higher than it was in 2024.
In Europe, the situation is also getting worse. Over 35,000 cases have been reported this year, 87% of them in Romania. Only Hungary, Malta, and Portugal have reached the 95% vaccine coverage needed to stop outbreaks.
Why Measles Is So Dangerous
Measles is the most contagious disease in the world. If one person has it, up to 90% of nearby people who are not immune will also get infected. It spreads through coughing and sneezing.
The virus can cause serious problems. These include brain swelling (encephalitis), pneumonia, and even death. One in every 1,000 kids with measles will die from the disease. Many others suffer lasting health issues.
There is no cure for measles. Doctors can only treat the symptoms. That’s why getting vaccinated is so important.
Vaccine Doubts Fuel the Crisis
Dr. Offit says falling trust in vaccines is helping measles return. The U.S. had wiped out measles by 2000. But with more people skipping vaccines, the disease is now back.
Some outbreaks have happened in Mennonite communities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Mennonite beliefs do not ban vaccines. But language gaps and lack of access to health care make it harder for some groups to get shots.
False Claims and Political Pressure
Some experts blame vaccine fear on false statements from public leaders. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine critic, has spread untrue ideas. He claimed that antibiotics and steroids can treat measles, which doctors say is not true.
Kennedy also said the MMR vaccine contains “aborted fetus debris.” That is false. The rubella part of the vaccine was made using cell lines from two medical terminations in the 1960s, which are not present in the final vaccine.
He has also pushed for new rules on how vaccines are tested and approved. But no clear plan has been shared yet.
Doctors warn that such comments could hurt trust in vaccines and put lives at risk.
Vaccines Save Lives
Experts say the MMR vaccine is safe and works well. It protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. It is 97% effective after two doses. The vaccine has saved more than 93 million lives from 1974 to 2024, says the WHO.
Children should get their first dose at 12–15 months old. A second dose is given between ages 4 and 6.
Doctors say that vaccination is still the best way to stop measles. It protects people who cannot get shots, like babies and those with weak immune systems.
A Call to Action
The CDC and WHO urge everyone to check their vaccine records. Parents should make sure their children are fully vaccinated. Local health offices are working to offer more shots in hard-hit areas.
As measles spreads fast and can be deadly, quick action is key. Trusted health experts, not online rumors or political talk, should guide vaccine choices.