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MAY 28, 2026
IDSA Warns of Escalating U.S. Measles Threat
By Ethan Covey
Large measles outbreaks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico are raising concern among infectious disease experts, who warn that declining vaccination rates, gaps in public health capacity, and limited clinical familiarity with measles are allowing the once-eliminated disease to spread.
Cases Far Above Historical Levels
As of May 21, 2026, there have been just shy of 2,000 confirmed cases of measles in the United States during 2026, according to CDC data. In 2025, 2,288 cases were reported in the United States, along with three measles-related deaths. By comparison, the country averaged about 180 cases per year during the previous 25 years (apart from 2019).
For decades, the availability of a highly effective vaccine has reduced the perceived need for measles-specific antiviral treatments.
“Because we've had such an effective vaccine that protects us against measles and provides strong, lifelong immunity—93% after one dose, 97% after two doses—we have not had the need to develop antiviral treatments,” Ruth Lynfield, MD, a state epidemiologist and the medical director at the Minnesota Department of Health, in St. Paul, said during an Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) press briefing. “We can provide supportive care, but we do not have effective antiviral therapy once someone gets severe measles.”
Continue reading... https://www.idse.net/Viral-Infections/Article/05-26/Measles-Escalating-US-Threat-IDSA-Warning/80691
CONTACT
Marie Rosenthal
MRosenthal@McMahonmed.com
"Reproduced with permission - Infectious Disease Special Edition (IDSE)"
Infectious Disease Special Edition (IDSE)
Source: https://www.idse.net/Viral-Infections/Article/05-26/Measles-Escalating-US-Threat-IDSA-Warning/80691
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