"The United States recorded more than 2,000 cases last year, more than in any other year in three decades, and could surpass the 2025 total in 2026 (see 'US measles surges'). The United Kingdom, Spain, Austria and three other nations all lost their official 'measles free' label in January. Canada lost its measles-free status in November, and the United States is projected to follow suit in April."
"The measles virus is highly contagious and can cause a fever, cough and rash, and even lead to death. Estimates show that each person with measles would infect, on average, 12-18 other people if everyone around them were susceptible to the disease. Up to 90% of people who are not immune will get measles if they encounter an infected person."
"The measles vaccine is highly effective. After one dose, 93% of people will be protected from infection if they are exposed to the virus. Protection rises to 97% after two doses. For most people, this protection lasts for a lifetime. When 92-94% of the population has immunity to measles, either through vaccination or previous infections, the virus can no longer spread, a phenomenon known as herd immunity."
Measles is resurging in multiple countries, with the United States recording over 2,000 cases last year and several nations losing measles-free status. The virus is extremely contagious: each infected person would infect an average of 12–18 susceptible people, and up to 90% of susceptible contacts will become infected. The vaccine provides strong protection—about 93% after one dose and 97% after two doses—and typically confers long-lasting immunity. Herd immunity requires roughly 92–94% population immunity, and coverage declines below target levels have opened the door to renewed outbreaks, including among vaccinated individuals because vaccine protection is not absolute.
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