By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in a quarter-century, surpassing the 2019 record with at least 1,277 confirmed cases in 2025. A major outbreak in West Texas, linked to low vaccination rates, has been a primary driver, with additional cases connected to the outbreak appearing across the country. The highly contagious nature of measles, coupled with declining vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy, has resulted in multiple deaths and outbreaks in various states, threatening the nation’s measles elimination status. Experts suggest the actual number of cases is likely significantly underreported, further escalating the public health concern.
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Measles cases surge to record high since the disease was declared eliminated in the US, and it’s a stark reminder of how easily we can lose the ground we’ve gained in public health. It’s a simple equation really: to keep a disease at bay, you have to keep vaccinating. It’s like a shield; if you drop it, you’re vulnerable. And that’s exactly what’s happening. We’re seeing outbreaks because enough people have decided to forego vaccination, creating gaps in our collective immunity. It’s almost unbelievable, isn’t it? We have a powerful tool – a safe and effective vaccine – and yet, we’re seeing a resurgence of a disease that was once under control.
This situation isn’t theoretical. It’s real, and the consequences are serious. Measles isn’t just a rash and a fever. It can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death. Think about it: one to three out of every 1,000 children who contract measles will die. One in 1,000 children will develop encephalitis, potentially resulting in deafness or intellectual disabilities. If a medication had this kind of risk profile, it would never be approved. We are living in a time when the impact of the disease can be significantly reduced. The measles vaccine has a remarkable safety record. And yet, here we are, facing a surge in cases.
The unfortunate truth is, this surge isn’t random; it is the direct result of a conscious choice made by many parents to not vaccinate their children. There is no cure for stupidity. I can understand the fear parents feel. But to take steps to prevent the disease is like choosing not to see a doctor. There is no reason this should be happening. It’s hard not to feel a sense of frustration when we have the means to prevent this and yet we’re witnessing this crisis. And the impact on the most vulnerable, like infants too young to be vaccinated, is especially concerning.
What’s truly disheartening is seeing how this issue has become so politicized. Certain people are using this very serious health issue for political gain. The spread of misinformation by well-known figures and some dark money groups has played a significant role. It’s a twisted reality where people are more willing to believe conspiracy theories than to trust in the proven science of vaccines.
This isn’t just a problem for one country. It’s a global challenge. The US, for example, once a leader in public health, is now grappling with an avoidable crisis. The irony is thick – celebrating “making America great again” while ignoring the very tools that help keep us healthy. It’s as if the history of public health, the lessons learned from past epidemics, are being erased from memory.
And let’s be clear: this isn’t just about individual choice; it’s about collective responsibility. We all benefit from herd immunity, the protection that vaccines provide to those who can’t be vaccinated. It’s a safety net, and when enough people choose not to participate, that net frays and breaks. The MAGA folks are not helping either.
The blame is on a long list of individuals who think the disease is fake and is being unleashed on us by the Democrats. These individuals are often in a position of power and have a wide reach, so many people are susceptible to the influence. This is the true danger.
The sad reality is that it’s often the most vulnerable who suffer the most. Infants, for example, can’t be vaccinated until they’re a year old. Those with weakened immune systems are also at risk. This puts additional pressure on hospitals that are already strained.
It’s easy to get lost in the political theater and the conspiracy theories, but at the end of the day, it’s the children who suffer. Every case of measles, every complication, every death – it’s a tragedy that could have been prevented. The solution is clear and simple: vaccination. It’s a testament to the power of science, and a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting public health. The fact is, some are so proud they would rather die or kill their kids than admit that they’ve been hoodwinked. What we have is freedom to murder kids, and we should be extremely ashamed.