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Experts answered key questions about the severity of the virus and the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Childhood vaccination rates are falling worldwide, but it's not just about COVID mandates. Political distrust, disinformation, and ins… #Disinformation #Institutionaltrust #Publichealthpolicy #Vaccinationrates #Vaccinehesitancy

Officials discuss urgent need to address tobacco and vaccination decline impacting public health.

Trust in US physicians and hospitals dropped significantly during COVID-19, affecting vaccination rates across all demographics. Restoring trust is crucial for future public health efforts.

The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with 2,318 confirmed cases reported this year—surpassing the 2025 record of 2,289 cases. Declining vaccination rates and growing vaccine hesitancy are cited as key drivers of the crisis. Public health officials warn that the outbreak disproportionately affects children and could lead to more severe complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation. Experts attribute the resurgence to declining trust in health authorities and the influence of anti-vaccine rhetoric, particularly from figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The last major outbreak occurred in 1991, but recent years have seen a sharp rise in cases, with states like South Carolina reporting the highest infection rates. Medical professionals emphasize that measles, being highly contagious, is the first disease to show large outbreaks, with concerns that other vaccine-preventable diseases may follow. The situation underscores the importance of maintaining vaccination rates to prevent further spread and protect vulnerable populations.

Childhood vaccination rates are falling worldwide, but it's not just about COVID mandates. Political distrust, disinformation, and ins… #Disinformation #Institutionaltrust #Publichealthpolicy #Vaccinationrates #Vaccinehesitancy

In 2026, the United States experienced its first measles-related deaths of the year after two unvaccinated individuals in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, succumbed to the virus. The health department confirmed these fatalities amid a 35-year high in measles cases, with Pennsylvania reporting 393 cases and Utah/South Carolina leading nationally. Nearly 20% of infected patients were hospitalized due to severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. Declining vaccination rates, particularly in communities with vaccine hesitancy, have fueled outbreaks. The CDC reported nearly 2,800 cases nationwide, up from 2,289 in 2025. Governor Josh Shapiro criticized misinformation and called for public health measures, while President Trump's executive order to split the MMR vaccine faced opposition from medical groups. The incident underscores the critical role of vaccination in preventing preventable diseases and highlights ongoing debates over vaccine policies.

Plus, what to do if you get sick this summer or fall.

Exemptions increased in 41 states and the District of Columbia.

U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates continued to decline in 2026, with exemptions for vaccines reaching an all-time high of 4.2%, according to federal data. This marks the fourth consecutive year of record exemption rates, driven largely by nonmedical reasons such as personal beliefs. The decline affects critical immunizations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), polio, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines, with some states reporting significantly higher exemption rates than others. Public health officials warn that the trend increases susceptibility to preventable diseases, including measles, which saw a surge in cases during 2026. The shift is attributed to federal health policy changes under the Trump administration, including revised vaccination guidelines and public statements promoting alternative schedules. While medical exemptions remain stable at around 0.2%, nonmedical exemptions have risen sharply, prompting concerns about community immunity and outbreak risks. Experts emphasize the need for consistent vaccination policies to protect children's health and prevent disease resurgence.

Dan Thorell told commissioners federal cuts forced staffing reductions, slowed immunization clinics (down ~28%), and that childhood vaccination coverage remains depressed (about 61%). The health department requests a 3% increase in local appropriations to maintain services.

Health Officer Amy Kleiber told the board that RSV activity is increasing statewide, influenza activity is moderate, COVID is low, and DHS reported a nearly 2% decline in statewide vaccination rates from 2024 to 2025; two measles cases in Wisconsin were noted and a Minnesota cluster of TMVII dermatophyte cases was discussed.

Dunn County reviews vaccination data and prepares for federal cutbacks impacting local services.