The United States is facing a dramatic resurgence of measles, a disease declared eradicated in 2000 thanks to vaccination. Since the beginning of 2026, more than 5,180 cases have been confirmed, a level not seen in over three decades. Almost all of those infected were unvaccinated.
Eight deaths, including several young children, have been recorded since August. Many experts believe this situation could have been avoided with better vaccination coverage. The outbreak, which began in 2025, remains active and could lead to the loss of the country's measles-free status, currently being reassessed by continental health authorities.
The administration is facing intense criticism for its handling of the crisis. Budget cuts to health agencies and the dissemination of messages fueling vaccine hesitancy are regularly cited as contributing factors. The Minister of Health is accused of disseminating misleading information about vaccination and downplaying the risks associated with the disease.
Highly contagious, measles manifests as fever, respiratory symptoms, and a skin rash. It can also cause severe complications, such as pneumonia or neurological damage, which can sometimes be fatal.
While vaccination remains theoretically mandatory, numerous religious or philosophical exemptions allow people to avoid it in several countries. Their proliferation since the Covid-19 pandemic is worrying healthcare professionals, who now fear an increase in other preventable diseases, such as pertussis (whooping cough) or chickenpox, with particularly serious consequences for children.
 Frank Verain
|
06/11/2026 | 
Anglais
Arabic
Deutsch
Français
Español
Italien
Português
Russian