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Measles Cases Are Surging Across the U.S., and Experts Warn Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Could Follow
With nearly 1,000 confirmed measles cases in 2026 spread across close to half of U.S. states, public health officials are sounding the alarm about a broader crisis. Declining vaccination rates could open the door to resurgences of mumps, hepatitis B, and other diseases once thought conquered.
Key Takeaways
- 982 confirmed measles cases across nearly half of U.S. states in 2026, all linked to unvaccinated individuals
- Measles requires 95% population immunity for herd protection, making it the first disease to break through when vaccination rates drop
- Mumps, hepatitis B, pertussis, and varicella could follow as the same declining vaccination trends affect multiple diseases
- Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective, making every current case entirely preventable
- The U.S. may lose its measles elimination status, reversing a public health achievement that stood since 2000
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DT Editorial AI··via technologyreview.com