The Global Virus Network (GVN), an organization of virologists from more than 90 centers in over 40 countries, has expressed concern about the recent increase in measles cases in the United States and worldwide. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be deadly, especially for unvaccinated children, but it is preventable with a vaccine that has been proven safe since the 1960s.
In 2025, the United States reported its highest number of measles cases in over three decades. There were more than 2,242 confirmed cases across 45 states. At least 11% of those infected required hospitalization, including young children, and there were three confirmed deaths. This marks a sharp rise compared to previous years. The outbreaks have continued into early 2026, with hundreds of active cases reported in localized outbreaks such as those in South Carolina. Health officials warn that if transmission continues, the U.S., like Canada, could lose its status as a country where measles had been eliminated.
Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that many recent outbreaks are linked to low vaccination rates and international travel.
"Measles anywhere is a threat everywhere," said Professor Scott Weaver, MS, PhD, GVN Center of Excellence Director at The University of Texas Medical Branch. "These outbreaks are the result of long-standing global challenges in maintaining high childhood vaccination coverage and persistent vulnerabilities in public health systems."
Globally, measles activity remains high. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there were about 95,000 measles deaths worldwide in 2024—most among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children under five years old.
"Strengthening routine immunization, surveillance, and public education is essential to prevent further outbreaks," said Professor Heidi Larson, PhD, founding director of The Vaccine Confidence Project at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and GVN Board member. "The MMR vaccine is proven, safe, and effective, and maintaining high coverage is our best defense."
GVN called on governments and health agencies to promote MMR vaccination for all unvaccinated people; improve surveillance systems to detect outbreaks quickly; counter misinformation with evidence-based communication; and support global immunization efforts to reduce preventable diseases and deaths.
