Commentary: The world’s most contagious disease is making an alarming comeback

SINGAPORE: Measles cases are surging, with the US reporting 1,001 confirmed cases, an increase from 285 in 2024, risking its WHO elimination status by 2026. The outbreak, with 30% of cases among children under 5, emphasizes the impact of declining vaccination rates due to COVID-19 disruptions, resulting in preventable deaths. Vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation, has further jeopardized herd immunity, as 95% coverage is necessary to control the virus’s spread.