Measles-Linked Deaths Since RFK Jr. Took Office Surpass Previous 20 Years
Summary
Since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became Health and Human Services Secretary, measles-related deaths in the U.S. have surpassed the total from the previous 20 years. There have been five confirmed measles deaths since 2025, with a recent rise in cases linked to a decline in vaccinations.Key Facts
- Five measles-related deaths were confirmed in 2025 and 2026, more than double the three deaths recorded from 2000 to 2020.
- Two recent deaths in Pennsylvania, including an unvaccinated adult and infant, are the first measles deaths there in 35 years.
- The CDC recorded 2,777 measles cases in the U.S. this year—the highest number in over 35 years.
- Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, meaning it was no longer spreading regularly.
- Vaccination rates for the MMR vaccine have dropped nationally since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
- About 78% of U.S. counties studied showed a decline in MMR vaccinations among children.
- Health officials emphasize that the MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles.
- Experts link the rise in measles cases and deaths to growing parental distrust of vaccines.
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