Measles Resurgence in the U.S.: What You Need to Know
Measles, a highly contagious disease once considered eliminated in the United States, is making a troubling return. According to experts at Stanford Medicine, declining vaccination rates are at the center of this resurgence, raising serious public health concerns.
Vaccination gaps are driving new outbreaks
Health specialists point to reduced immunization coverage as the primary reason behind the rising number of measles cases. Measles spreads easily through the air, and nearly 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus become infected. To prevent sustained transmission, at least 95% of the population must be fully vaccinated — a threshold many communities are no longer meeting.
A disease with serious health risks
Despite being commonly perceived as a childhood illness, measles can cause severe complications. Patients may develop pneumonia, brain inflammation, or long-term immune system damage that increases vulnerability to other infections. In rare cases, measles can lead to fatal neurological conditions years after the initial infection.
Prevention remains the strongest defense
The measles vaccine, typically administered as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) combination, remains one of the safest and most effective vaccines available. Widespread vaccination not only protects individuals but also safeguards those who cannot be vaccinated, including infants and people with compromised immune systems.
Limited treatment options once infected
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Medical care focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. In certain high-risk situations, immune globulin may be given after exposure, but health experts emphasize that vaccination is far more effective than treatment.
Who is considered immune?
People born before 1957 are generally presumed immune due to widespread exposure during childhood. Those born later should review their vaccination records, as some adults received only one dose and may need a second to ensure full protection.
