US sees highest number of measles cases in 35 years - BBC

What the report says

BBC News reported that the United States has recorded 2,318 confirmed measles cases in 2026, the highest number in 35 years, according to new figures from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The total, reached seven months into the year, has already surpassed last year’s 2,289 cases, when two unvaccinated children died from the disease.

The BBC said the increase comes amid growing vaccine hesitancy and declining immunisation rates in parts of the country. A panel is expected in November to consider whether the US should lose its measles elimination status, which can happen when the same strain spreads continuously for at least a year. Canada lost that status last year, according to the report.

Recent outbreaks have affected Virginia and Pennsylvania, while Utah is still responding to a cluster that began last year. Cases have been recorded in 45 states. The BBC also noted that a previous outbreak among the Mennonite community in Texas led to the deaths of two unvaccinated children, and that an unvaccinated adult died in neighbouring New Mexico.

The report highlighted criticism of Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr from public health experts over vaccine messaging and policy changes. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is recommended in two doses for children and is described by health authorities as highly effective. Public health guidance generally says very high vaccination coverage is needed to prevent measles from spreading, because the virus is extremely contagious and can cause severe complications.