The dangerous disease spreading again worldwide: "A vaccine many neglect"

Measles is spreading again in the US with 5,182 confirmed cases in 2026, 562 hospitalizations, and eight deaths. The vaccination rate has dropped to 92.4%, below the herd immunity threshold. Experts warn of losing elimination status but note the trend can be reversed.

Measles, a highly contagious disease once considered eliminated in the US, is resurging due to declining vaccination rates. In 2026, 5,182 confirmed cases were reported—the highest annual figure in 35 years. 562 people were hospitalized, and eight died, including an unvaccinated infant in New York. The vaccination rate among kindergarten children fell to 92.4%, below the 95% threshold needed for community immunity. Experts link the decline to rising public skepticism toward vaccines and decreased trust in health authorities. However, they emphasize that renewed effort can halt the spread, similar to Brazil, which regained its elimination status in 2024. The headline creates a curiosity gap by not explicitly mentioning measles.