Pediatricians in Utah say a prolonged measles outbreak is exposing children to painful and sometimes life-threatening complications. KFF Health News reported that the outbreak, which began in June 2025, has continued for more than a year.
Doctors described treating children with dehydration, breathing problems and suspected complications such as meningitis or sepsis. They said unvaccinated children often require more testing because clinicians must rule out serious illness.
KFF reported that confirmed U.S. measles cases had reached a 35-year high by July, with hundreds of hospitalizations and deaths reported across 2025 and 2026. The country also no longer clearly meets a key criterion for measles elimination because outbreaks are lasting longer than a year.
Health officials and pediatricians continue to urge families to consult trusted medical professionals about vaccination and exposure guidance, especially during outbreaks.
Source: KFF Health News, July 24, 2026.
