measles Archives - TPR: The Public's Radio

Health officials in Washington, D.C. are investigating multiple confirmed cases of measles and potential exposure. Image shows a scientific resemblance of the disease.

NPR

March for Life attendees may have been exposed to measles, DC Health warns

by Kristin Wright February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

D.C. health officials are contacting people possibly exposed to measles at the March for Life in January, as confirmed cases rise nationwide.

A sign that says "Measles Clinic" is shown. Two people are entering the Andrews County Health Department in Texas.

NPR

The U.S. will likely lose its measles elimination status. Here’s what that means

by Maria Godoy January 31, 2026January 31, 2026

The South Carolina measles outbreak is now bigger than last year’s Texas outbreak and is happening as the U.S. is poised to lose its measles elimination status.

A young mother who does not want to be identified holds her ten months old child suspected to be infected with measels at the county hospital in Piatra Neamt, Romania, on June 23, 2025.

NPR

Are there lessons for the U.S. in this European country’s struggle with measles?

by Michal Ruprecht November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

In 2024, Romania, an upper middle income European country, had over 30,000 cases — putting it on the world’s top ten measles list. Its vaccination rate hovers around 60%. How did this happen?

Raynard Covarrubio fills a syringe with the MMR vaccine, at a vaccine clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department on March 1 in Lubbock, Texas. West Texas saw a measles outbreak this year.

NPR

U.S. measles cases continue to climb, with outbreaks across the country

by Maria Godoy October 12, 2025October 12, 2025

In South Carolina, more than 150 unvaccinated schoolkids are under quarantine after being exposed to measles. Across the U.S., total case counts could be even higher than the official number.

NPR

This is what could happen to a child who doesn’t get vaccinated

by Michal Ruprecht September 8, 2025September 8, 2025

An estimated 14 million kids don’t get any vaccines. They face serious threats from measles, diarrhea, pneumonia and more.

A makeshift sign on plywood board with stenciled lettering says, "Measles testing" and has a red arrow.

NPR

U.S. measles cases hit highest level in 33 years, CDC reports

by Maria Godoy July 9, 2025July 9, 2025

The U.S. has hit an unwelcome milestone in measles cases this year. The CDC is reporting 1,288 cases across the country. The disease was declared eliminated 25 years ago.

Parents who believed a false claim about measles were more likely to skip or delay childhood vaccinations, a new poll finds.

NPR

Like measles, misinformation is spreading, poll finds

by Maria Godoy April 23, 2025April 23, 2025

With the U.S. now reporting more than 800 measles cases, a new poll from health policy research group KFF finds that many people are being exposed to false claims about measles and the measles vaccine.

Signs point the way to measles testing in the parking lot of the Seminole Hospital District across from Wigwam Stadium on February 27, 2025 in Seminole, Texas.

NPR

Texas’ measles outbreak isn’t slowing down. How can that change?

by Olivia Aldridge April 8, 2025April 8, 2025

Health experts say driving up vaccination rates in affected areas is the most effective defense against this disease

The site of a former lead and zinc mine in Kabwe, Zambia. Thirty years after the closure of the mine, the land remains highly contaminated, yet artisanal miners continue to work here, exposing themselves daily to dangerously high levels of lead.

NPR

This may be the most lead polluted place on Earth. Is there any hope?

by Julie Bourdin March 30, 2025March 30, 2025

The U.N. has identified Kabwe, a city of almost 300,000 people in Zambia, as one of the most polluted places on the planet. Who is to blame? And can justice be done?

As measles cases continue to rise, some parents are asking if their kids can get vaccinated early.

NPR

As measles cases rise, some parents become vaccine enthusiasts

by Maria Godoy March 30, 2025March 30, 2025

Vaccine hesitancy has been growing in the U.S. in recent years. But as Texas measles cases rise and other states report outbreaks too, some parents want their kids to get their shots early.