Measles cases break records for a second year in a row. Social mood explains why
Just when they thought it couldn’t get worse than permanent daylight savings — parents can add a new worry to their list as kids return to school in August: Measles. From CNN, July 24:
Nearly 2,300 measles cases were reported last year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — about 12 times more than the annual average since measles was declared eliminated in the US and the worst year in more than three decades.
The total number of measles cases in 2026 has already surpassed last year’s total, according to data posted by the CDC on Friday.
The vast majority of cases — more than 90% — are among people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, CDC data shows.
Measles is the most contagious virus known to science. But it’s also one of the most preventable diseases thanks to vaccines. So, why are so many people opting out of getting them?
Our August 2025 issue of The Socionomist tracked a historic correlation between vaccine hesitancy and a specific shift in social mood:
Distrust in those ostensibly tasked with protecting people’s health and well-being is a symptom of something much larger at play. You can read the full piece from the August 2025 Socionomist for just $15!
Protect yourself against dangerous herding behavior with this timely report today.