Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Measles cases surged in 2025 as vaccination rates dropped

Season 2026 Episode 21 | 6m 55s

Measles, one of the world’s most contagious diseases, was declared eliminated in the U.S. more than 25 years ago. However, measles cases have skyrocketed in the U.S. as vaccination rates continue to decline, a trend that accelerated during the pandemic. Stephanie Sy spoke with Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, about the ramifications and reasons behind the outbreak.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
September 22, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Trump defends Iran war and threatens annihilation at UN General Assembly
News Wrap: Grand jury declines to bring charges in death of Nolan Wells
Researchers explore new uses for abortion-related drugs
Harris joins El-Sayed on campaign trail as Democrats focus on Michigan Senate race
What the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger settlement means for Hollywood
2 years after the storm, graphic novel shares stories of Hurricane Helene survivors
Ari Emanuel and Amna Nawaz discuss finding the next big thing on 'Settle In'
Press pool declines to cover Trump in protest of his ban on news outlets
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on Trump's media attacks