The Global Backslide on Measles: How US Policy and Vaccine Hesitancy Fuel a Worldwide Threat
The resurgence of measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease, isn’t a localized problem – it’s a global trend fueled by declining vaccination rates and, increasingly, by shifts in US policy. Once declared eliminated in the United States, measles is now threatening to regain a foothold, with ramifications extending far beyond national borders.
Europe Loses Ground: A Warning Sign
In late January 2026, the World Health Organization announced that six European countries – the United Kingdom, Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan – had officially lost their measles elimination status. This signifies continuous circulation of the virus for over 12 months in these nations. Maintaining at least 95% vaccination coverage is crucial for containing measles, but vaccination rates are falling across Europe. The UK, in particular, has seen a dramatic decline, with only 84% of five-year-olds receiving both recommended doses of the MMR vaccine as of 2024.
The UK’s Troubled History with Vaccine Confidence
The UK is described as “ground zero” for vaccine hesitancy, stemming from a discredited 1998 study by former physician Andrew Wakefield that falsely linked the MMR vaccine to autism. Despite the study’s retraction over 15 years ago, the false claim continues to gain traction globally, aided by figures like US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. And organizations promoting anti-vaccine rhetoric.
US Influence: A “Chilling Effect” on Global Health
Experts warn that rhetoric originating in the United States has a ripple effect internationally. “The rhetoric that happens in the United States spills over across borders to other countries,” says Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University. “We live in a global ecosystem, so when they hear, well, [the vaccine is] not good enough for the Americans, maybe it’s not good for us either.”
Organizations like Children’s Health Defense, linked to Kennedy, actively promote debunked claims about vaccines. The “Anti-Vaxx industry” generates at least $36 million annually, according to the Center for Countering Digital Hate, with individuals like Kennedy himself benefiting financially from anti-vaccine advocacy.
North American Vulnerability: Canada and Mexico at Risk
The US is now on the brink of losing its own measles elimination status. Neighboring countries, Canada and Mexico, are also experiencing rising measles outbreaks. Canada lost its elimination status in November of last year, and Mexico’s status is also under threat, highlighting the ease with which measles can spread across international borders.
The Crippling of Global Surveillance
A significant blow to global measles control came with the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw funding from the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN), coordinated by the World Health Organization. This network, historically funded by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is vital for detecting outbreaks and coordinating international responses. Without funding, the network of nearly 800 international labs faces potential collapse, jeopardizing surveillance efforts as measles cases surge.
Dr. Alonzo Plough, chief science officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, emphasizes the importance of international coordination: “Viruses don’t know borders.” He explains that past success relied on a “network of protection” built on strong partnerships with the CDC and international surveillance networks like GMRLN and the Pan American Health Organization.
The Long-Term Consequences of Infection
Experts stress the severity of measles itself. Nuzzo warns against complacency, stating, “This is a lousy disease. You do not want to get this disease.” Surviving measles doesn’t come without risks; it can cause long-term health effects and weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to other infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How contagious is measles? Measles is one of the most contagious human diseases, capable of infecting a dozen people from a single infected individual in communities with low vaccination rates.
- How effective is the measles vaccine? Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles for life.
- What are the complications of measles? Measles can lead to serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia.
- What is the current status of measles elimination in the US? The US is on the brink of losing its measles elimination status.
Pro Tip: Ensure your family is up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine, to protect yourselves and contribute to community immunity.
Did you know? Measles vaccines helped prevent 60 million deaths between 2000 and 2023 worldwide.
What are your thoughts on the global measles resurgence? Share your comments below and let’s discuss how we can protect our communities.
