Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease Statement on a Year of Measles Outbreaks

January 19, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) — The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) released the following statement to mark one year of sustained measles transmission in the U.S.:

“As America marks one year since the first 2025 measles cases were reported in Texas, we must reflect on the widespread outbreaks and harms that have touched nearly every corner of the country.

“In 2025, 2,240 cases, 245 hospitalizations, and three deaths across 45 states amounted to America’s worst year in the fight against measles since 1991. Experts warn the case count likely was a significant undercount, and there are no signs of reprieve. The U.S. reported more cases in its first full week of 2026 (158 from Jan. 4-10) than it did in any full year from 1997-2010.

“From Texas hotspots to currently skyrocketing cases in South Carolina to nine states already reporting patients this year, those sickened by measles, particularly children and unvaccinated individuals, have faced severe, sometimes long-term health complications. Families and communities have endured preventable medical costs and absences from school and work.

“This unraveling didn’t happen in a vacuum. On Thursday, all members of the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines (ACCV) were dismissed without cause. The upheaval mirrored last spring’s takeover of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), when independent experts were summarily dismissed and replaced with several unvetted vaccine cynics. After months of controversial federal reports, remarks rejecting scientific consensus, and historic cuts to childhood vaccine schedule, it’s no surprise American families feel frustrated and confused.

“Public opinion polling shows that nine in 10 voters across parties want guidance from trained physicians. That’s not what they’re receiving. Instead, measles outbreaks provide a costly reminder of what happens when clarity, access and public health leadership erode.

“While formal determinations about U.S. measles elimination status are still pending, the facts are clear: The disease continues to circulate at an unacceptable, dangerous rate. Still, America defeated measles once and can again.

“Americans should consult their doctors, local pharmacists and leading physician groups for objective, data-backed guidance on how best to safeguard their families, and U.S. leaders must support confidence in and access to tools Americans need to protect their health.”

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