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Abstract: 

Measles was once considered eliminated in the United States, but its rapid resurgence now raises concerns extending far beyond a single vaccine-preventable disease. Jennifer B. Nuzzo and Andrea Uhlig argue that declining vaccination rates, expanding outbreaks, and weakening public confidence in public health institutions expose vulnerabilities that could undermine the nation's ability to respond to future epidemics, pandemics, or biological threats. The authors examine the medical, economic, and public health consequences of sustained measles transmission while explaining why measles serves as a critical indicator of broader infectious disease preparedness. Their analysis offers a timely warning that restoring vaccination coverage and rebuilding trust in public health are essential to preventing far more serious crises in the years ahead.

Keywords: Measles; Vaccination; Public Health; Infectious Disease; Pandemic Preparedness; Herd Immunity

Affiliations:  1: Brown University School of Public Health; 2: Brown University.