Measles on the Rise: Separating Fact from Fiction

Measles cases in the US have surged, hitting a 35-year high in 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a staggering increase from 285 cases in 2024 to 2, 144 in 2025. The upward trend continued into 2026, with at least 171 cases reported in just the first two weeks. Experts attribute this rise to declining vaccination rates. A concerning trend has emerged: some people believe contracting measles is beneficial for health. This idea gained traction after a high-profile figure claimed that measles infection could boost immunity against various diseases, including cancer. Social media posts and news stories have fueled this misconception, suggesting that measles and other diseases prepare the immune system for long-term resilience. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that measles infection protects against cancer. The confusion likely stems from a misunderstanding of oncolytic virus therapy, which uses genetically modified viruses, including measles, to target cancer cells. While this therapy has shown promise in treating specific cancers, it is a controlled medical application, not a natural infection.The idea that measles can prevent heart disease is also misleading. A study in Japan found a link between measles and mumps infections and a lower risk of death from atherosclerotic heart disease. However, the study's reliability is questionable due to its reliance on self-reported data and the fact that measles was widespread before vaccines were introduced. Contrary to popular belief, contracting measles does not boost the immune system. A study from Harvard Medical School found that the measles virus can cause "immune amnesia, " wiping out up to three-quarters of antibodies that protect against other infections. This means that measles can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to other diseases. The measles vaccine, on the other hand, has been shown to strengthen the immune system. In the 1960s, the introduction of the measles vaccine in the US led to a significant reduction in childhood deaths from other diseases. This evidence underscores the importance of vaccination in protecting public health. Despite the risks, some argue that the potential long-term benefits of contracting measles outweigh the immediate dangers. However, this perspective overlooks the severe consequences of measles infection. Measles can be deadly, with a mortality rate of up to three in every 1, 000 cases. Additionally, one in every 1, 000 children who contract measles may develop encephalitis, which can lead to seizures, hearing loss, and intellectual disability.