A new WHO report reveals a dramatic backslide in measles control:
- 59 countries reported large or disruptive outbreaks last year — nearly triple the number from 2021.
- A quarter of these outbreaks occurred in nations once considered measles-free, including Canada and the United States.
- The U.S. has recorded 1,798 cases this year, the highest since elimination status was achieved in 2000.
- More than 30 million children were under-protected in 2024 due to missed vaccinations.
Despite decades of progress and an 88% drop in global measles deaths from 2000–2024, health officials warn that the return of widespread outbreaks — combined with reduced immunization funding, weakened surveillance systems, and post-pandemic gaps — is undoing years of hard-won gains.
Faculty experts at the George Washington University are available to offer insight about measles and getting vaccinated. To schedule an interview with an expert, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn [dot] deckelbaum
gwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Jose Lucar is an associate professor of infectious diseases at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Maria Elena Ruiz is an associate professor of medicine and an infectious disease expert at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Elizabeth Choma is a pediatric nurse practitioner and clinical assistant professor at the GW School of Nursing.
Elizabeth Bluhm is an internist at the GW Medical Faculty Associates and an assistant professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Emily Smith, is an associate professor of global health and an expert in infectious diseases and epidemiology, at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health.
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