Measles, a childhood disease that was thought to be eradicated in the USA by the early 2000s, is experiencing a notable resurgence. By early 2026, 2,276 confirmed cases of measles were reported across various states in 2025, marking the highest number of cases since 1992. The outbreak is largely attributed to a decline in vaccination rates, fueled by the anti-vaccine movement which includes notable figures like Robert Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health Secretary.

The ongoing measles outbreak in South Carolina, which is evolving into an epidemic, has prompted Dr. Mehmet Oz, the head of the federal health services for Medicare and Medicaid, to encourage Americans to get vaccinated despite the hesitations expressed by his superior, Secretary Kennedy Jr. Dr. Oz's call to action highlights the growing concern among health officials as they navigate public hesitance influenced by anti-vaccine sentiments.

Kennedy Jr., while a prominent voice against vaccination, continues to push back against vaccination mandates and advocates for parental choice. This clash between official health guidance and the anti-vaccine narrative underscores the complexities of public health policy in the face of rising infectious disease cases, raising questions about the future of immunization efforts in the country.