Measles is surging in 2026. From London to Texas, why are cases hitting a 30-year high? episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 27, 2026 · 41 MIN

Measles is surging in 2026. From London to Texas, why are cases hitting a 30-year high?

from Medicine and Science from The BMJ · host The BMJ

In this episode, we investigate the alarming resurgence of measles across North America and the UK. While cases are falling across much of Europe and Asia, North America is seeing explosive outbreaks fueled by vaccine hesitancy and political shifts. We break down the 2026 crisis: Why London is the epicenter and how the UK lost its "Measles Elimination Status". An in-depth look at outbreaks in Ontario, Alberta, Texas, and Mexico. How returning travelers—not migrants—are actually driving the spread. The impact of "shared clinical decision-making" and current US health leadership on vaccine access. Kamran Abbasi is joined by: Angela Rasmussen - Virologist, University of Saskatchewan. Azeem Majeed - Professor of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London.

In this episode, we investigate the alarming resurgence of measles across North America and the UK. While cases are falling across much of Europe and Asia, North America is seeing explosive outbreaks fueled by vaccine hesitancy and political shifts.We break down the 2026 crisis: Why London is the epicenter and how the UK lost its "Measles Elimination Status". An in-depth look at outbreaks in Ontario, Alberta, Texas, and Mexico. How returning travelers—not migrants—are actually driving the spread. The impact of "shared clinical decision-making" and current US health leadership on vaccine access. Kamran Abbasi is joined by: Angela Rasmussen - Virologist, University of Saskatchewan. Azeem Majeed - Professor of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London.

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Measles is surging in 2026. From London to Texas, why are cases hitting a 30-year high?

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This episode was published on February 27, 2026.

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In this episode, we investigate the alarming resurgence of measles across North America and the UK. While cases are falling across much of Europe and Asia, North America is seeing explosive outbreaks fueled by vaccine hesitancy and political...

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