What's happened
Measles cases increased significantly in early 2026, with over 1,000 new cases in the first three weeks across the Americas and ongoing outbreaks in Israel and Europe. Vaccination gaps and misinformation continue to hinder efforts to control the disease, which remains highly contagious and deadly without immunization.
What's behind the headline?
The recent spike in measles cases underscores the fragility of global immunization efforts. Despite decades of progress, declining vaccination rates—particularly in the US, UK, and parts of Europe—are fueling outbreaks. The WHO warns that unless coverage reaches 95%, herd immunity will remain elusive, and the virus will continue to circulate. The resurgence in Israel, driven by declining vaccine uptake in ultra-Orthodox communities, highlights how social and cultural factors influence disease control. The US and Mexico face rising cases, with vaccination hesitancy and misinformation playing significant roles. The global situation is worsened by political shifts, such as the US withdrawal from WHO, which hampers coordinated responses. The outbreaks threaten to undo years of progress and pose risks ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Strengthening routine vaccination, combating misinformation, and improving outreach are critical to reversing this trend. The situation remains urgent, with health authorities warning that without immediate action, measles will continue to threaten vulnerable populations worldwide.
What the papers say
The Reuters report highlights the sharp decline in cases from 127,412 in 2024 to 33,998 in 2025, yet notes ongoing transmission and the need for stronger vaccination efforts. Al Jazeera emphasizes the rising cases in the Americas, with over 1,000 new cases in the first three weeks of 2026, and details outbreaks in the US, Mexico, and Canada, citing declining vaccination rates and misinformation as key factors. The Independent discusses the resurgence in Israel, where the outbreak has resulted in the highest death toll since 2018-2019, driven by declining immunization in ultra-Orthodox communities. It also warns of the broader global trend, including the UK, where vaccination rates have fallen below herd immunity thresholds, risking large outbreaks and economic costs. All sources agree that vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and social factors are major barriers to controlling measles, and that urgent, coordinated efforts are needed to prevent further spread.
How we got here
The resurgence of measles is linked to declining vaccination rates globally, partly due to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. The WHO and regional health agencies have warned that immunization gaps are allowing the highly contagious virus to spread, reversing years of progress towards elimination. Outbreaks are concentrated in communities with low vaccine coverage, especially among children under five, and are exacerbated by political and social factors affecting vaccine access and acceptance.
Go deeper
Common question
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Are Raw Milk and Vaccination Gaps Putting Your Health at Risk?
Recent headlines highlight serious health concerns related to raw milk consumption and declining vaccination rates. From tragic infant deaths linked to unpasteurized dairy to surging measles outbreaks across North America, these issues raise important questions about safety, immunity, and public health. Below, we explore the risks of raw milk, why vaccination gaps matter, and what you can do to stay protected.
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Why Are Measles Cases Rising in North America?
Recent outbreaks of measles across North America have raised alarms among health officials and the public. Despite being preventable through vaccination, cases are surging again, driven by declining immunization rates and misinformation. This page explores the causes behind the resurgence, its potential impact on international events like the FIFA World Cup, and what safe measures you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Read on to understand the current situation and how to stay safe.
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What Are the Risks of Raw Milk and Vaccine Gaps?
Recent health news highlights the dangers of unpasteurized dairy products and the surge in measles outbreaks due to vaccination gaps. Understanding these issues is crucial for making informed health choices. Below, we answer common questions about raw milk safety, vaccine coverage, and disease outbreaks to help you stay informed and protected.
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How Are Rising Disease Outbreaks Impacting Global Health Policies?
Recent outbreaks of diseases like measles and concerns over raw milk safety are prompting governments worldwide to rethink their health policies. From vaccination efforts to food safety regulations, these issues are shaping the future of public health. Curious about how authorities are responding and what you can do to stay safe? Read on to find out.
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What Does the Rise in Disease and Decline in Democracy Mean for Our Future?
Recent reports highlight a worrying decline in global democracy and a surge in disease outbreaks, raising questions about what this means for our future. How are these trends connected, and what can we expect moving forward? Below, we explore key questions about the state of democracy, health, and global stability, helping you understand the bigger picture and what to watch for next.
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Why Are Measles Cases Surging in North America Now?
Recent outbreaks of measles across North America have raised alarms among health officials and the public. With over 1,000 cases reported in just the first few weeks of 2026, many are wondering what’s causing this spike. Declining vaccination rates, misinformation, and immunization gaps are key factors fueling these outbreaks. Understanding the causes and how to protect yourself is crucial, especially with upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Below, we explore the main questions about this concerning rise in measles cases.
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How Serious Is the Measles Surge in North America?
Recent outbreaks of measles across North America and other regions have raised alarms about public health. With over 1,000 cases in the first weeks of 2026, many are wondering how dangerous this surge really is and what it means for travelers and communities alike. Below, we explore the severity of the current measles outbreaks, the causes behind the rise, and what steps you can take to stay safe.
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Why Are Measles Cases Surging Worldwide in 2026?
Measles outbreaks are making a concerning comeback in 2026, with cases rising sharply across the globe. Despite past progress in controlling the disease, factors like declining vaccination rates and misinformation are fueling new outbreaks. Curious about what's causing this surge and what can be done? Below, we answer common questions about the current measles situation and how it impacts public health worldwide.
More on these topics
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Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres, making it the world's second-largest c
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Measles (probably from Middle Dutch or Middle High German masel(e), meaning "blemish, blood blister") is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable infectious disease caused by measles virus. Other names include morbilli, rubeola, 9-day measles, red measles
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Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The Pan American Health Organization is an international public health agency working to improve health and living standards of the people of the Americas.
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The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment