The United States is facing a resurgence of measles, prompting urgent calls from health officials for increased vaccination rates. Recent outbreaks in several states, including South Carolina, Texas and a joint outbreak in Utah and Arizona, are raising concerns that the nation may lose its measles elimination status.
On , Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly urged Americans to get vaccinated against measles. “Take the vaccine, please,” Dr. Oz stated in an interview with CNN’s “State of the Union.” He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that while not all illnesses pose equal threats, measles is a particularly concerning infection due to its high contagiousness.
This plea comes at a time when measles cases are rapidly increasing. An outbreak in South Carolina has already surpassed the number of cases seen during the 2025 outbreak in Texas. A separate outbreak is occurring on the border of Utah and Arizona, and confirmed cases have been reported in multiple other states. A recent case was also confirmed in Riverside County, marking the first case of the year in that region.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Because of its high transmissibility, health experts agree that vaccination rates need to be above 95% to maintain herd immunity and prevent widespread outbreaks.
Dr. Oz’s call for vaccination is particularly noteworthy given that he serves under an administration that has, at times, expressed skepticism about the safety and importance of vaccines. He defended recent revisions to federal vaccine recommendations and addressed past comments made by President Donald Trump and the nation’s health chief, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., regarding vaccine efficacy. Despite these past statements, Dr. Oz delivered a clear message on the importance of measles vaccination.
Medicare and Medicaid will continue to cover the cost of the measles vaccine, ensuring access for beneficiaries of these programs. This commitment to coverage is a crucial step in facilitating widespread vaccination and controlling the outbreaks.
The current rise in measles cases is a global concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant increase in measles cases worldwide in recent years, reversing decades of progress toward elimination. Factors contributing to this resurgence include declining vaccination rates, disruptions to immunization programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the spread of misinformation about vaccines.
Health officials emphasize that measles is preventable through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, providing approximately 97% protection against measles after two doses. The CDC recommends that all children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose administered between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.
Individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status should consult with their healthcare provider. Those who have never been vaccinated or who are not fully vaccinated should receive the MMR vaccine as soon as possible. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms of measles, which include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a rash that typically appears 14 days after exposure to the virus.
The potential loss of measles elimination status in the United States would have significant public health consequences. Outbreaks would become more frequent and widespread, leading to increased illness, hospitalizations, and potentially deaths. It would also place a strain on healthcare resources and require costly public health interventions.
Dr. Oz acknowledged the varying levels of susceptibility to illness, stating, “Not all illnesses are equally dangerous and not all people are equally susceptible to those illnesses.” However, he reiterated the importance of vaccination against measles, emphasizing that This proves a preventable disease with potentially serious consequences. The current situation demands a collective effort to increase vaccination rates and protect communities from the threat of measles.
