Public health experts are understandably alarmed by the recent spike in confirmed measles cases throughout the United States. This would be the third highest annual count since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. By the year 2025, we see that large urban areas have had large outbreaks. These gatherings have sent satellite outbreaks to states such as New Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Pandemic realities lead to a very real call to examine both vaccination rates and the impact of public health messaging as vaccine hesitancy continues to grow.
The measles virus is one of the most contagious viruses known to humanity, capable of spreading quickly, especially in communities with low vaccination coverage. Children younger than 12 months of age are not vaccinated against measles. Their mothers’ antibodies can interfere with the vaccine’s ability to create immunity. The measles vaccine requires two doses to be truly effective. The first dose is typically given after a child’s first birthday, with a second dose required before they enter kindergarten.
Even with a vaccine that has an extensive track record for safety and efficacy, the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, doubt continues to linger. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has had a deep and abiding animus toward vaccines. Today, he is heralded as the country’s top health official. My favorite part is when he points out that “the most efficient and reliable way of preventing the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine.” He argues that politicians must send out a firm and unequivocal signal. With several outbreaks still ongoing, it’s more important than ever to encourage the unvaccinated children to get vaccinated.
“But now that they have an ongoing outbreak, the message needs to be strong and clear, and it’s just not coming, at least from the federal government, that unvaccinated children need to get vaccinated,” – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The public health impact of measles infections is devastating. If that happens, the virus itself can lead to potentially deadly complications. It can cause pneumonia, encephalitis and death — with young children and those with compromised immune systems at the highest risk. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a very rare but devastating brain disease. It can occur, however, with an estimated risk of one in 1,000.
Experts agree that vaccination is the best and most effective way to keep measles from spreading. Surrounded by so many risks, this preventive measure is an important step. Peter Marks, a leading voice in public health circles about this issue, recently stated that the present outbreak is “frightening.” “I don’t know, a week later, a 26% increase … that’s not flattening,” he said. He further emphasized that “our children in the United States deserve better. We owe them the best care. In this case, the best care is what it’s going to take to get them vaccinated.
On the growing death toll Caitlin Rivers, as early as two to three deaths, sounded the alarm. If we continue ignoring preventative measures, we’re going to lose more lives. The reason is that “the greater the number of cases, the greater the likelihood that some cases will be serious,” she wrote.
In 2023, the World Health Organization announced over 100,000 measles deaths globally. This alarming number serves as a reminder of the persistent danger posed by the measles virus, especially in areas with inadequate vaccination coverage. Our united front against misinformation and our efforts to increase vaccination uptake and protect patients, families, and communities are needed now more than ever.
Experts warn that unless there is a drastic change in vaccination strategies and public engagement, the situation may worsen. Peter Marks emphasized this urgency: “Unless we dramatically change course, drastically change course, it’s going to be a problem.”
