Federal health authorities reported an additional 178 cases of measles in the US this week, as the vaccine-preventable illness continues to sicken people across at least 43 outbreaks.

The new data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) comes as experts criticize the agency for lack of transparency, and as health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr takes steps to further upend US vaccine infrastructure.

The CDC reported 4,588 cases of measles across the country in 2026 as of Friday – more than double the tally for 2025. Pennsylvania alone reported 1,338 cases on the same day.

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[–] 6 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses; 90% of unprotected people exposed to it will catch it. Here is what measles does to infants.

Common and Severe Risks for Infants

  • Pneumonia: Up to 1 in 20 children with measles develops pneumonia, which is the most frequent cause of death from the virus. [1]
  • Dehydration: High fevers and severe diarrhea can quickly drain a baby's fluids. [1, 2]
  • Encephalitis: About 1 in 1,000 children develops brain swelling, which can cause seizures or leave permanent intellectual disabilities and deafness. [1]
  • Immune amnesia: The virus wipes out the body's prior immune memories, making a baby more vulnerable to other dangerous bacteria and viruses for months or years after recovery. [1, 2]
  • Death: Estimates show that 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 infected children will die from respiratory or neurological complications. [1, 2]

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. I guess Americans will need to determine how scared of vaccines they are.

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