The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported a fifth measles-related death in 2026, in an outbreak with 943 total cases across 39 counties. All deceased individuals were unvaccinated. The measles virus poses serious health risks, including pneumonia and neurological complications. Vaccination… Read More »The fifth death linked to measles was reported in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported four deaths linked to a measles outbreak, including an 18-year-old who died of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Since January 2026, Pennsylvania has documented 767 cases, with many complications indicating the risks of measles. The… Read More »Pennsylvania measles outbreak leads to a fourth death
On September 13, 2026, a 40-year-old unvaccinated woman died from measles complications in Pennsylvania, amidst an outbreak that infected 676 people. The CDC excluded this and two previous deaths from their national tally, prompting criticism of public health officials. Measles… Read More »40-year-old woman in Pennsylvania dies of measles
Professor Dorit Rubinstein Reiss discusses the challenges and dangers of splitting the MMR vaccine into separate doses for measles, mumps, and rubella. The process is complex, costly, and unlikely to increase safety. Reiss argues it could lead to lower vaccination… Read More »Splitting the MMR vaccine into its three components will be difficult
There is anti-vaccine belief that natural immunity is superior to vaccine-induced immunity. This post emphasizes that while both types of immunity are similar, vaccines provide a safer way to achieve immunity without the risks associated with actual infections. Vaccination is… Read More »Natural immunity is not better than vaccine immunity
In July 2026, the CDC reported 2,318 measles cases in the U.S., exceeding the total from 2025. Major outbreaks occurred in South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona, linked to declining MMR vaccination rates below the 95% needed for herd immunity. Most… Read More »US measles cases in 2026 are the highest since 1991
Measles, often dismissed as harmless, can cause severe complications, including subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which can be fatal years after infection. Vaccination has drastically reduced measles cases, but decreasing vaccination rates risk the return of outbreaks and related complications. It… Read More »Deadly complications from measles — SSPE is one of the worst
Herd immunity is vital for protecting communities from infectious diseases through widespread vaccination. Despite the dismissal by anti-vaccine activists, the recent measles outbreaks highlight the importance of achieving high vaccination rates. Herd immunity benefits both individuals and society, safeguarding those… Read More »The importance of herd immunity and vaccines — saving lives
According to the CDC, through 27 February 2026, the US measles outbreak has reached 1,136 cases since the beginning of the year, 92% of whom had not received the MMR vaccine. In 2025, the US had 2,281 cases; after only… Read More »2026 US measles outbreak hits 1100, mostly unvaccinated children
As of 20 February 2026, the CDC states that there have been nearly 1000 measles cases in the USA in 2026, mostly in unvaccinated children, signaling the reappearance of other vaccine-preventable diseases. As vaccine uptake falls, there is concern that… Read More »Vaccine preventable diseases could return without vaccines