U.S. Measles Surge Tied to Vaccine Misinformation, Experts Say

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 1,362 measles cases in the United States in just over three months since the start of the year, following 2025’s highest annual total since 1991. Why the sudden spike in cases? Dr. Lauren Smith of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation says the rise is tied to the spread of vaccine misinformation — both on social media and from the current U.S. Secretary of Health.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is a nonprofit focused on improving public health through community development, healthcare access, and policy.

Of all the measles cases in the United States this year, only four have been identified in New York. South Carolina has the highest number of measles cases in the country this year with 664. 

Parents in some states may be unaware of the severity of measles, in part because the disease had been largely under control for more than 30 years. Smith said that changed following President Donald Trump’s return to office.

“ I would point out is that these vaccines have been tested. They are safe, they’re effective, and in fact, they’ve been so effective that many parents now, haven’t had any direct experience with any of these illnesses,” said Dr. Smith. “Contrast that to our parents and grandparents who saw what these illnesses could do for their own children, for their neighbors, their friends.  When these vaccines became available, the older generation jumped at the chance to ensure that their children, us, and people who are older than I am, were protected.”

Smith says there are trustworthy peer-reviewed sources for parents seeking information on measles, and other diseases that vaccines are available for. 

“ One source that’s like that is the American Academy of Pediatrics. I’m a pediatrician and I think that they’ve done a great job at wading through all of the confusion to be able to reinforce what the evidence continues to show about vaccines,” said Dr. Smith. 

The CDC has also reported that 92%-93% of measles patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. No deaths have been reported this year from measles but three deaths were reported in 2025.

Photo by: Liudmyla from Getty Images Signature