The world thought that it was done with measles, but this highly contagious viral infection is staging a comeback, striking countries worldwide, including developed nations. The United States and Mexico are at risk of losing their measles-free status, highlighting the vulnerability of global health security.
The resurgence of measles is a ticking time bomb, threatening to unleash a pandemic that could rival COVID-19.
According to Danelle Fisher, MD, a paediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, “It’s unbelievably contagious. It’s the most contagious disease we’ve ever seen,” Healthline reported.
Earlier, on January 6, the US took the unprecedented step of dropping the number of vaccines it recommends for every child, leaving other immunisations, such as flu shots, open to families to choose, but without clear guidance.
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Rising cases of measles
According to a report in ABC News, hundreds of people in South Carolina are quarantined, and the state’s confirmed cases are over 650. The virus, which first started a year ago in Texas, has since spread to numerous states, including North Carolina, Ohio, Washington, Arizona, and Utah.
Due to continuous transmission chains, the US is on the verge of losing its official ‘measles eliminated’ status, which it has held for the past quarter century. The Pan American Health Organization is scheduled to review the status sometime in 2026.
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As per a report in Mexico News Daily, the viral infection has now spread to all 31 Mexican states and Mexico City. Over the past year, Mexico has recorded 7,131 confirmed cases and 24 confirmed deaths. According to experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, measles is identified as the “most contagious disease there is, even surpassing COVID-19.”
In Mexico, the current measles surge is predominantly impacting young children. The most affected demographic is children aged 1-4 years, with 1,089 registered cases, followed closely by those in the 5-9 year age group, who account for 830 cases.
US and Mexico likely to lose measles-free status
Earlier, in November 2025, Canada and the region of the Americas had lost its measles elimination status due to ongoing outbreaks.
Meanwhile, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission for Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (RVC) recently invited the US and Mexico to meet virtually to review their measles elimination status on April 13, 2026.
What about India?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India continues to account for a substantial portion of global measles-related mortality. Recent data places India among countries with major outbreaks, reporting thousands of cases, highlighting ongoing challenges. India reported over 32,000 suspected and confirmed cases in late 2022.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2025 stated that India has set a goal to eliminate measles and rubella by 2026. As per a report from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India saw a 73% reduction in measles cases and a 17% reduction in rubella cases in 2024 as compared to 2023.
MEASLES SYMPTOMS
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles is more than just a rash; it can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. The symptoms appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus.
Phase 1: Initial symptoms
- It typically starts with:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104°)
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Phase 2: Koplik spots
Roughly 2-3 days after the initial symptoms appear, Koplik spots may appear. These are tiny white spots which may be found inside the mouth.
Phase 3: The measles rash
The characteristic rash emerges 3-5 days after the first symptoms begin. It starts as flat red spots at the face and hairline, then spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
Who are at risk?
While measles poses a risk to all age groups, certain populations are significantly more susceptible to severe complications. Children under five years of age, adults over 20 and pregnant women are more likely to suffer from measles complications. Furthermore, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing treatment for leukaemia or living with HIV, are also particularly vulnerable.
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Treatment
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there is currently no cure or specific treatment for measles. While hospitalised patients may receive vitamin A under strict medical supervision to help reduce the risk of severe complications, it is not a cure and cannot prevent the infection. It is critical that individuals do not self-administer vitamin A, as improper dosages can lead to vitamin A toxicity.
