Why millions of people around the world are contracting measles in 2026

In 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 11 million people worldwide will contract measles, a highly contagious viral disease. Most cases will occur in Africa and Asia, but outbreaks are also reported in the Americas and Europe. Measles has no treatment, but vaccines are safe and effective at preventing it. Unvaccinated individuals face serious complications such as deafness, blindness, or death, with higher risks for those who are undernourished or lack medical care. The disease spreads easily, so vaccination rates must exceed 95% in a community to achieve herd immunity, protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated. However, global vaccination rates have declined, leading to a resurgence of measles.

Vaccination rates vary widely by country. High-income countries like the U.S. and many in Europe have rates near or above 95%, with over 90% of 2-year-olds receiving at least one dose. In contrast, only about 80% of children in low- and middle-income countries have received one dose, and just 70% have received two doses. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted vaccine access globally, but high-income countries recovered quickly, while lower-income nations still face shortages. Many children in these countries remain zero-dose, meaning they have not received any recommended vaccines. Conflicts and refugee crises in countries like Burundi, Yemen, and Sudan further hinder vaccination efforts.

Bangladesh has reported the highest number of measles cases in 2026, with over 900 deaths. Political instability in 2024 led to vaccine shortages, worsened by a failed attempt to switch vaccine procurement from UNICEF to a competitive bidding process in 2025. The country resumed working with UNICEF but faces funding cuts from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, a global partnership that helps low-income countries afford vaccines. Gavi’s cofinancing model subsidizes vaccine costs initially, but reduced funding from high-income countries like the U.S. and France has created a budget shortfall. Without full replenishment, countries like Bangladesh cannot purchase enough vaccines to meet demand.

In the Americas, measles outbreaks have surged due to vaccine hesitancy in specific communities. The entire region was declared measles-free in 2024, but Canada lost this status in November 2025, and Mexico and the U.S. are at risk of losing theirs in November 2026. Guatemala has reported over 30,000 cases, linked to a Christian megachurch with anti-vaccine leaders. Outbreaks have also occurred in conservative religious groups, such as Mennonite communities in Mexico, Bolivia, and the U.S. states of South Carolina and Utah. These groups often reject vaccination for cultural or religious reasons, allowing the virus to spread to neighboring undervaccinated populations.