The United States has already recorded more measles cases in 2026 than during all of 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 2,300 confirmed infections across 45 jurisdictions as of July 23, making this the nation’s worst measles year since 1991. The United States effectively eliminated endemic measles transmission in 2000 through high vaccination coverage, but a sharp resurgence now threatens that achievement as health officials confront outbreaks, uneven vaccination coverage, and political messaging that has at times undermined public confidence in vaccines.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a long record of promoting claims that cast doubt on vaccine safety and effectiveness, but it is fair to note that he has also publicly said the measles vaccine is safe and urged vaccination during the current outbreak. Left for future reporting is determning what policy or communication changes occurred, when they occurred, how vaccination access and public messaging changed, and whether experts link those decisions to lower coverage, delayed response, or reduced public confidence.
This new surge arrives as Central Florida families prepare for the school year, children return to close-contact environments and churches and community organizations hold back-to-school events.
Advocate Angle
How We See It
The immediate task is protecting children without dismissing families who distrust medical institutions.
Black communities have legitimate historical reasons to demand transparency from public-health authorities. The proper response is not vague guidance, political rhetoric or condescension. It is direct access to trustworthy local physicians, clear explanations of benefits and risks, convenient vaccination services and honest reporting about local cases.
Measles is also not solely a matter of individual choice. Infants too young for routine vaccination and residents with weakened immune systems depend partly on the immunity of people around them. CDC guidance identifies the MMR vaccine as the best protection against the highly contagious disease.
Why it matters
An outbreak can disrupt schools, childcare, employment and household finances even among families whose children do not become severely ill. Families need verified local information before classes resume—not after an exposure occurs. \
- Frank Butler
- Frank Butler
- Frank Butler
- Frank Butler
