GOOD CHAT
Measles Resurgence Highlights Urgent Need for Vaccination and Public Health Funding
Once eliminated in the U.S., measles is making a dangerous comeback due to falling vaccination rates and weakened public health infrastructure. With complications like encephalitis and pneumonia—especially severe in infants and older adults—the disease's return underscores the life-saving importance of the MMR vaccine and renewed investment in science-based public health initiatives.
June 27, 2025
Image by: ABEL F. ROS -Qapta.es -Creative Commons
Image by: Flickr -Creative Commons
Image by: Heute.at -Creative Commons
Image by: ABEL F. ROS -Qapta.es -Creative Commons
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By Morris Price Jr.
Measles, a highly contagious viral illness, has been recognized for centuries. Characterized by symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash, measles poses significant health risks, particularly for children. Before the measles vaccine was widely available, it's estimated that around 3-4 million people contracted measles in the United States each year. This resulted in approximately 400-500 deaths and 48,000 hospitalizations annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also estimated that around 1,000 people developed chronic disabilities from measles encephalitis (swelling of the brain) each year. The introduction of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine significantly reduced the incidence of the disease in the United States, and by 2000, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S., indicating no continuous disease transmission for 12-months or more.
However, in recent years, measles has made a concerning comeback. This resurgence can be attributed to declining vaccination rates due to misinformation and fear surrounding vaccines. The anti-vaccine movement, fueled by debunked studies and emotional appeals, has led some parents to opt out of vaccinating their children, leaving them vulnerable to this preventable disease.
The implications of this resurgence are far-reaching, affecting public health and the economy. Recent cutbacks to Medicaid and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have hindered crucial public health initiatives, including vaccination programs and disease surveillance. With fewer resources dedicated to combating infectious diseases, the risk of outbreaks increases, as evidenced by recent spikes in measles cases across the U.S.
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Measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. The economic burden of an outbreak is significant, with costs including hospitalizations, medical treatments, and strain on healthcare systems. A single case of measles can result in substantial costs when factoring in lost productivity and public health interventions needed to control the spread.
If measles continues to resurge, it could undermine public trust in vaccination programs and lead to an increase in other vaccine-preventable diseases. The erosion of herd immunity—when a significant portion of the population is vaccinated—puts not only unvaccinated individuals at risk but also those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.
In April 2025, a confirmed case of measles was reported in Denver County. The infant, who traveled abroad with their family, was unvaccinated and under one year old, making them vulnerable. Public health officials in Colorado recommend that families traveling internationally to areas with known measles outbreaks consider early MMR vaccination for infants or delay unnecessary travel.
Addressing these challenges requires renewed emphasis on public health education and robust funding for vaccine research and outreach programs. Combating misinformation through science-based education can help restore public confidence in vaccines. Strengthening partnerships between health organizations and communities is essential to enhance vaccination coverage and protect vulnerable populations.
As measles resurfaces in the United States, the implications of historical neglect in public health funding and misinformation are clearer than ever. To ensure the safety and well-being of future generations, we must prioritize vaccination and advocate for continued funding of public health initiatives. The fight against measles is not just a medical concern; it’s a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy society.
Image: Heute.at -Creative Commons
If an older person contracts measles, the impact on their immune system can be especially serious due to age-related decline in immune function—a process known as immunosenescence. Here's what could happen:
1. Weakened Initial Immune Response: Older adults often have a slower and weaker response to new infections. This makes it harder for their bodies to fight off measles, potentially allowing the virus to spread more rapidly and cause more severe illness.
2. Increased Risk of Complications: Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in older adults, such as: Pneumonia (a leading cause of measles-related death in adults) Encephalitis (brain swelling that can lead to seizures or brain damage) Dehydration from prolonged fever and poor fluid intake.
3. Immune Amnesia: Measles can cause "immune amnesia"—it essentially wipes out parts of the immune system's memory of previous infections. This means: The body may “forget” how to fight off diseases it had previously been protected against. It leaves the person vulnerable to other infections they were once immune to, sometimes for years after recovery.
For more information about measles, vaccination, and what to do if exposed, visit resources from the Colorado Department of Public Health at: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/measles
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About the author
Morris Price Jr is currently the Vice President of Grants & Impact at the Colorado Trust. With a background in nonprofit leadership including the Gill Foundation, a leader in funding LGBT civil rights, public policy, and higher education, Morris’ community involvement, including chairing the Board of the LGBT Center of Colorado, the LGBT Commission of the City and County of Denver and a number of other nonprofit boards, showcases his commitment to making a difference.