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Rachel V Thomas

Bill Gates Says Vaccine Hesitancy Could Make Ending Measles Impossible

Even as the US and countries across Europe and Asia report a rise in measles cases, Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist <span>Bill Gates</span> said that eradicating measles is currently impossible. 

The reason? <span>Vaccine</span> hesitancy, particularly in wealthy countries such as the US, <span>Gates</span> said, according to Reuters. 

“At one point, the Gates Foundation wanted to eradicate measles, but the vaccine hesitancy in rich countries has meant that’s not on our list of goals,” Gates said. “I think that’s kind of tragic.” 

<h2>How Big Is The <span rel="noindex">Measles Outbreak</span> In The US? </h2>

Also read:  <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/pennsylvania-reports-3rd-measles-related-death-40-year-old-dies-as-outbreak-spreads-across-37-counties-article-156153304" data-type="tilCustomLink">Pennsylvania Reports 3rd Measles-Related Death; 40-Year-Old Dies As Outbreak Spreads Across 37 Counties</a>

According to the CDC, 3,294 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the US so far in 2026. 

There have also been 38 new outbreaks reported this year, with 95% of confirmed cases associated with outbreaks — 1,748 cases from outbreaks that started in 2026 and 1,375 from outbreaks that started in 2025. 

For comparison, 2,289 confirmed measles cases were reported in the US during the entire year of 2025. 

So far this year, three deaths — two babies and one adult — have been reported from Pennsylvania, one of the worst-hit states. The state has also reported four measles cases among people who were fully vaccinated this year.

Measles can be prevented by vaccination. However, the anti-vaccine stance promoted by the Trump-led US government and HHS Secretary RFK Jr. are resulting in spiraling cases. More recently, Trump also announced a split of the MMR vaccine, which experts warn can have consequences.

Measles was considered eliminated in the US since 2000, but the Pan American Health Organization is expected to decide in November whether the US has lost its elimination status.

<h2>How Effective Is The MMR Vaccine?</h2> 

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children. The first dose is given at 12-15 months, followed by a second dose between 4-6 years.

Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles. However, breakthrough infections can still occur. 

Among people who have received one dose of the vaccine, about seven out of 100 may develop measles after exposure, according to the CDC.

The measles vaccine is safe for most people. However, people with certain medical conditions, including a weakened immune system, may need to take additional precautions. 

An infected person can spread the virus to around nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed. Measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and death. 

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/donald-trump-signs-order-to-split-mmr-vaccine-is-it-safe-for-children-article-155593422" data-type="tilCustomLink">Donald Trump Signs Order To Split MMR Vaccine: Is It Safe For Children?</a>

Measles is one of the world's most contagious diseases and can cause high fever, cough and a characteristic rash.

The WHO estimates that 95,000 people died from measles globally in 2024, despite vaccination having prevented an estimated 59 million deaths since 2000. 

The WHO says vaccination coverage needs to remain above 95% to prevent outbreaks. 

Recent years have also seen a surge in measles cases in countries where the disease had become rare, including the US and parts of Europe, as vaccination coverage has fallen.

<h2>Bangladesh Battles Major Measles Outbreak </h2>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/nearly-1000-dead-bangladesh-once-close-to-eliminating-measles-is-now-facing-the-worlds-worst-outbreak-article-156127334" data-type="tilCustomLink">Bangladesh </a> was once close to eliminating measles but is now battling one of the world's largest measles outbreaks. 

According to Bangladesh health ministry data, 1,022 deaths have been associated with the outbreak, including 100 laboratory-confirmed measles fatalities. 

More than 166,000 suspected cases have been reported, including nearly 20,000 laboratory-confirmed infections. More than 146,000 suspected patients have also been hospitalized. 

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Even as the US and countries across Europe and Asia report a rise in measles cases, Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates said that eradicating measles is currently impossible. The reason? Vaccine hesitancy, particularly in wealthy countries such as the US, Gates said, according to Reuters. “At one point, the Gates Foundation wanted to eradicate measles, but the vaccine hesitancy in rich countries has meant that’s not on our list of goals,” Gates said. “I think that’s kind of tragic.” How Big Is The Measles Outbreak In The US? Also read:  Pennsylvania Reports 3rd Measles-Related Death; 40-Year-Old Dies As Outbreak Spreads Across 37 CountiesAccording to the CDC, 3,294 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the US so far in 2026. There have also been 38 new outbreaks reported this year, with 95% of confirmed cases associated with outbreaks — 1,748 cases from outbreaks that started in 2026 and 1,375 from outbreaks that started in 2025. For comparison, 2,289 confirmed measles cases were reported in the US during the entire year of 2025. So far this year, three deaths — two babies and one adult — have been reported from Pennsylvania, one of the worst-hit states. The state has also reported four measles cases among people who were fully vaccinated this year.Measles can be prevented by vaccination. However, the anti-vaccine stance promoted by the Trump-led US government and HHS Secretary RFK Jr. are resulting in spiraling cases. More recently, Trump also announced a split of the MMR vaccine, which experts warn can have consequences.Measles was considered eliminated in the US since 2000, but the Pan American Health Organization is expected to decide in November whether the US has lost its elimination status. How Effective Is The MMR Vaccine? The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children. The first dose is given at 12-15 months, followed by a second dose between 4-6 years. Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles. However, breakthrough infections can still occur. Among people who have received one dose of the vaccine, about seven out of 100 may develop measles after exposure, according to the CDC. The measles vaccine is safe for most people. However, people with certain medical conditions, including a weakened immune system, may need to take additional precautions. An infected person can spread the virus to around nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed. Measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and death. Read More: Donald Trump Signs Order To Split MMR Vaccine: Is It Safe For Children?Global Measles Rise Measles is one of the world's most contagious diseases and can cause high fever, cough and a characteristic rash. The WHO estimates that 95,000 people died from measles globally in 2024, despite vaccination having prevented an estimated 59 million deaths since 2000. The WHO says vaccination coverage needs to remain above 95% to prevent outbreaks. Recent years have also seen a surge in measles cases in countries where the disease had become rare, including the US and parts of Europe, as vaccination coverage has fallen. Bangladesh Battles Major Measles Outbreak Bangladesh  was once close to eliminating measles but is now battling one of the world's largest measles outbreaks. According to Bangladesh health ministry data, 1,022 deaths have been associated with the outbreak, including 100 laboratory-confirmed measles fatalities. More than 166,000 suspected cases have been reported, including nearly 20,000 laboratory-confirmed infections. More than 146,000 suspected patients have also been hospitalized. 

bill gates says vaccine hesitancy could make ending measles impossible

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