Measles outbreaks rise globally amid declining vaccination rates

Global health concerns are rising due to a resurgence of measles, driven by declining vaccination rates and the spread of misinformation. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts a significant global increase in cases, estimating approximately 11 million infections in 2026, with the highest impact expected in Africa and Asia.

In the United States, a severe epidemic has been reported with thousands of confirmed cases and deaths among unvaccinated individuals. In Portugal, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) confirmed nine cases between January and August 2026, including three imported cases.

In Brazil, the state of São Paulo has recorded 28 confirmed cases this year, with 25 occurring in the capital. Health authorities noted that 20 of the confirmed patients had no record of vaccination. In response to the surge, a mass vaccination campaign was conducted in August, administering over 2.5 million doses across the state to bolster community immunity.