U.S. health officials are reporting a worrying resurgence of measles, a highly contagious and potentially risky virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed over 200 cases across the country this year, marking the highest incidence in over three decades and signaling a concerning trend as we begin 2026. While generally preventable with vaccination, declining rates are contributing to the spread, raising public health concerns about both immediate illness and the possibility of severe long-term complications.
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Thursday, January 15, 2026 – 10:17 PM
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</p>The United States has seen a significant increase in measles cases over the past year, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming more than 200 cases across multiple states – the highest number in over three decades.
Data indicates the disease continues to spread into 2026, with at least 171 people infected in the first two weeks of the year alone.
Measles Returns to the U.S.
Measles typically begins with symptoms resembling a common cold, such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, and watery eyes, before progressing to a high fever and a red rash that spreads across the body.
While pneumonia is the most common complication, there’s a less well-known but potentially fatal long-term risk: subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
SSPE emerges years after the initial measles infection, starting with subtle personality changes like memory loss or mood swings, gradually developing into involuntary muscle spasms, loss of coordination, severe brain damage, coma, and often, death.
The incidence of this neurological condition is estimated to be between 4 and 11 cases per 100,000 measles cases, increasing to 18 cases if the child was infected before the age of five.
Dr. Sharon Nashman, head of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Hospital, confirmed that SSPE can appear 10 to 20 years after infection, cautioning that individuals often don’t connect their previous measles illness with the sudden onset of these complications.
Meanwhile, vaccination remains the most effective preventative measure, with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine providing 97% protection. The vaccine is administered to children between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose before kindergarten or first grade. However, vaccination rates have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, with only 92.5% of kindergarteners receiving the vaccine – below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.
“Vaccination isn’t just about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting your family and neighbors, especially children who are too young to be vaccinated,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, the health officer for Los Angeles County.
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