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Rachel V Thomas

US Measles Cases Reach 2,371; RFK Jr Takes U-Turn, Urges Families to Vaccinate Kids

The United States has reported 53 new measles cases, bringing the 2026 total to 2,371, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Amid the rising outbreak, US Health Secretary Robert F. <span>Kennedy</span> Jr. urged American parents to vaccinate their children against the highly contagious disease.

The CDC said that of the 53 new cases, 16 were locally acquired across 45 US jurisdictions, while the remaining cases were linked to international travel.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Highest Measles Toll</span> In 35 Years</h2>

Although measles is preventable through vaccination, the 2,371 cases reported as of July 30 have already surpassed the 2,289 cases recorded during all of 2025. Both years represent the highest annual measles totals in the US since 1991.

The US was declared measles-free in 2000, but it could lose that status later this year when the Pan American Health Organization reviews transmission data.

<ul><li>2,371 measles cases reported in 2026.</li><li>20% of cases are in children under 5; 49% are in those 5–19 years.</li><li>7% of patients have been hospitalized, compared with 11% in 2025.</li><li>No deaths have been reported.</li><li>93% of cases are in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Pennsylvania: 31 new cases in the past week; 167 total cases in 2026.</li><li>Ohio: Four new cases in unvaccinated individuals in Ashtabula and Tuscarawas counties; the state's third measles outbreak of 2026.</li><li>Utah: Largest active outbreak with 514 cases; no new cases reported this week.</li><li>Arizona: One new case; 120 total cases in 2026.</li><li>Washington: Seven new cases; 53 total cases in 2026.</li></ul>

<h2>Kennedy Urges Parents to Vaccinate Children</h2>

In a notable shift, Kennedy urged American parents to vaccinate their children against measles during a CNN interview.

Long known as a vaccine skeptic, Kennedy has spent years amplifying misinformation about vaccines, including the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. His remarks came as <span>US measles cases</span> surpassed the 2025 annual total.

The past two years have seen more measles infections in the US than the rest of the 21st century combined. More than 90% of cases have occurred in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

"I've never questioned the efficacy of the MMR vaccine," the Healthy Secretary said.

Kennedy also blamed low vaccination rates in some religious communities for ongoing outbreaks.

"The communities that are suffering from measles are almost all religious communities that just don't vaccinate," Kennedy told CNN.

<h2>Kennedy Repeats Debunked Vaccine Claims</h2>

During the interview, Kennedy also blamed pandemic lockdowns on Dr. <span>Anthony Fauci</span> while repeating several widely debunked claims about vaccines and other health issues.

He claimed that respiratory syncytial virus (<span>RSV</span>) is a major cause of infant mortality, suggested Lyme disease was caused by laboratory manipulation of germs, repeated unsupported claims linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, and questioned the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines for children.

Large studies conducted over several decades in multiple countries have consistently found no evidence that routine childhood vaccines cause autism. 

Major medical associations also continue to consider acetaminophen the preferred pain reliever and fever reducer during pregnancy when used appropriately. They have also cautioned against avoiding acetaminophen altogether, noting that untreated high fever or severe pain during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and the developing baby.

Speaking to CNN, <span>Ashish Jha</span>, former White House COVID-19 response coordinator under President <span>Joe Biden</span>, said the rise in measles cases was not coincidental.

"The administration has not done enough to promote vaccines. It has not done enough to highlight the harms that come from measles."

Jha added that "accountability has to be with our political leaders," while criticizing Kennedy's false claims about vaccines.

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The United States has reported 53 new measles cases, bringing the 2026 total to 2,371, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Amid the rising outbreak, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged American parents to vaccinate their children against the highly contagious disease.The CDC said that of the 53 new cases, 16 were locally acquired across 45 US jurisdictions, while the remaining cases were linked to international travel.Highest Measles Toll In 35 YearsAlthough measles is preventable through vaccination, the 2,371 cases reported as of July 30 have already surpassed the 2,289 cases recorded during all of 2025. Both years represent the highest annual measles totals in the US since 1991.The US was declared measles-free in 2000, but it could lose that status later this year when the Pan American Health Organization reviews transmission data.Measles by the numbers:2,371 measles cases reported in 2026.20% of cases are in children under 5; 49% are in those 5–19 years.7% of patients have been hospitalized, compared with 11% in 2025.No deaths have been reported.93% of cases are in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.Current measles hotspots:Pennsylvania: 31 new cases in the past week; 167 total cases in 2026.Ohio: Four new cases in unvaccinated individuals in Ashtabula and Tuscarawas counties; the state's third measles outbreak of 2026.Utah: Largest active outbreak with 514 cases; no new cases reported this week.Arizona: One new case; 120 total cases in 2026.Washington: Seven new cases; 53 total cases in 2026.Kennedy Urges Parents to Vaccinate ChildrenIn a notable shift, Kennedy urged American parents to vaccinate their children against measles during a CNN interview.Long known as a vaccine skeptic, Kennedy has spent years amplifying misinformation about vaccines, including the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. His remarks came as US measles cases surpassed the 2025 annual total.The past two years have seen more measles infections in the US than the rest of the 21st century combined. More than 90% of cases have occurred in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown."I've never questioned the efficacy of the MMR vaccine," the Healthy Secretary said.Kennedy also blamed low vaccination rates in some religious communities for ongoing outbreaks."The communities that are suffering from measles are almost all religious communities that just don't vaccinate," Kennedy told CNN.Kennedy Repeats Debunked Vaccine ClaimsDuring the interview, Kennedy also blamed pandemic lockdowns on Dr. Anthony Fauci while repeating several widely debunked claims about vaccines and other health issues.He claimed that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of infant mortality, suggested Lyme disease was caused by laboratory manipulation of germs, repeated unsupported claims linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, and questioned the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines for children.Large studies conducted over several decades in multiple countries have consistently found no evidence that routine childhood vaccines cause autism. Major medical associations also continue to consider acetaminophen the preferred pain reliever and fever reducer during pregnancy when used appropriately. They have also cautioned against avoiding acetaminophen altogether, noting that untreated high fever or severe pain during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and the developing baby.Speaking to CNN, Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 response coordinator under President Joe Biden, said the rise in measles cases was not coincidental."The administration has not done enough to promote vaccines. It has not done enough to highlight the harms that come from measles."Jha added that "accountability has to be with our political leaders," while criticizing Kennedy's false claims about vaccines.

us measles cases reach 2,371; rfk jr takes u-turn, urges families to vaccinate kids

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