Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease caused by measles virus; outbreaks rise when vaccination rates fall.
Measles outbreaks have ended in parts of the U.S. after a surge in vaccination efforts, but national numbers remain high and vaccination coverage has not reached the 95% threshold. Authorities warn the elimination status remains at risk amid rising cases and policy shifts affecting vaccine confidence.
Romania is experiencing its worst measles outbreak since 2005, with over 35,000 cases and 30 deaths since 2023. The crisis stems from a collapse in vaccination rates, which have fallen below herd immunity thresholds, especially among vulnerable communities. Access barriers and structural issues are hampering efforts to control the disease.
Measles cases have surged across several countries since March, stressing hospitals and vaccination programs. Bangladesh reports thousands of infections and hundreds of deaths; officials say vaccination campaigns are expanding, while UNICEF cautions about gaps in immunisation. In the United States, a multi-state outbreak has prompted emergency vaccination efforts and data reviews.
Since 2025, measles outbreaks have spread in unvaccinated communities in the United States, prompting therapeutic research and policy debates. Outbreaks have climbed nationally, with California and other states reporting rising case counts and hospitalizations. Experts warn that misinformation compounds transmission, while high vaccination coverage remains vital for herd immunity.
Public health teams are expanding disease surveillance for the 2026 World Cup across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The effort includes wastewater testing, social-media monitoring and data-sharing with hospitals, aiming to detect outbreaks early as millions attend the tournament.
Health officials warn crowd settings at the World Cup heighten risks of infectious diseases, with measles and flu among the leading threats. Surveillance is tight as officials monitor stadiums, airports and bars for early signs of outbreaks. Experts stress vaccination and rapid response as travel ramps up.
NHS England has published data showing an average of 2,241 patients daily experienced corridor care in emergency departments in May, with 669 more treated in wards. The figures highlight a national crisis, concentrated in a few trusts, as ministers pledge to eradicate the practice.
The government has announced a one-off programme that will provide two doses of the MenB vaccine to teenagers in Year 13 and under-25s starting university, amid outbreaks in Kent and other clusters. The initiative begins in July, aiming to cover about a million young people and reduce the risk of serious meningitis B illness this autumn.
Utah faces a widening measles outbreak affecting 22 of 29 counties, with infection clusters in undervaccinated communities. Officials warn that school start and cooler weather could trigger a renewed surge. ProPublica links endemism questions to national measles status.
Kennedy has led a push to pull government flu-vaccine advertising amid a broader shift at HHS, with emails showing internal debate and political direction shaping public-health messaging during a severe flu season. The disclosures show tension between Kennedy’s policy moves and CDC leadership as a new administration implements its agenda.
Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have spread across multiple US states, with New York, Illinois and Texas reporting higher case counts. The CDC is investigating clusters tied to fresh produce, and health officials urge thorough washing of fruits and vegetables to reduce risk.
The NHS has launched a catch-up campaign targeting children two to 11 who have missed measles vaccines, following two child deaths this year. UKHSA data show rising measles cases across England, with London accounting for about half of cases. GPs will contact under-sixes; the NHS App and other channels reach six-to-11-year-olds. The effort aims to protect vulnerable groups and prevent future outbreaks.