US measles outbreak surges as vaccine rates drop and myths spread

Measles cases in the US have risen sharply in recent years, reaching levels not seen in decades. In 2025, the country recorded 2,288 infections—the highest number since 1991. Most of those affected were unvaccinated or only partially protected against the disease.

Amid the outbreak, public interest in alternative treatments surged. Online searches for vitamin A and cod liver oil as potential measles remedies spiked in early 2025, following high-profile discussions about their unproven benefits.

The measles resurgence began in 2025, with cases climbing steadily. By the first half of 2026, another 2,030 infections were reported. Health officials noted that 96% of cases in 2025 involved people who had not received the full measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Vaccination rates among US kindergarteners also dropped below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks. This decline left more children vulnerable to the highly contagious virus. As cases rose, so did public curiosity about vitamin A. In February and March 2025, Google searches for terms like *‘vitamin A and measles’* and *‘cod liver and measles’* increased significantly. The trend followed comments from figures such as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and podcaster Joe Rogan, who suggested vitamin A might help combat the disease. However, experts stressed that the MMR vaccine remains the most reliable defence against measles. While vitamin A plays a role in immune function and vision, deficiency is rare in the US, where most people get enough through their diet. Excess intake can even be harmful, leading to toxicity. Despite this, reports of accidental vitamin A overdoses in children rose by 38.7% in early 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

The US continues to face a measles outbreak driven largely by low vaccination coverage. Health authorities have reiterated that vaccines, not supplements, are the proven way to prevent infection. Meanwhile, the surge in vitamin A-related searches and poisonings highlights the risks of misinformation during public health crises.