Researchers at Brown University’s Pandemic Center warn that measles has become entrenched in the U.S., with over 1,300 infections confirmed by early March 2026 and continuous circulation for over a year. This resurgence is believed to be driven by a decline in the national MMR vaccination rate below the 95% herd immunity threshold, leaving the U.S. at risk of losing its measles elimination status. Beyond the immediate health risks and rising death toll, experts argue the outbreak serves as a “grim signal” of the country’s eroding capacity to manage infectious diseases due to waning public trust in health institutions. The economic burden is also staggering, with experts predicting that even a 1% drop in vaccine coverage could cost the U.S. billions in healthcare expenses and productivity losses.
Date: March 12, 2026. Source: washingtonpost.com