Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has raised alarms regarding the ongoing measles outbreaks in the United States. During an interview with Margaret Brennan on “Face the Nation” on February 8, 2026, Gottlieb highlighted a significant rise in cases, particularly among children aged five to 17.
As of now, there have been approximately 750 reported cases this year, with projections indicating that the total will surpass the 2,000 cases recorded in 2025. South Carolina has reported nearly 900 cases, marking the largest outbreak since measles was considered eliminated in the U.S. The situation is further compounded by confirmed cases emerging in various locations, including Disneyland in California and Washington, D.C.
Gottlieb expressed that while mass gatherings do not currently pose an immediate threat, the situation is expected to worsen before it improves. He noted a troubling trend in vaccination rates, stating, “We’re starting to get down to lower levels,” with some states reporting vaccination rates as low as 81% in Alaska and 88% in several others experiencing outbreaks.
Global Context and Vaccine Hesitancy
The former FDA commissioner attributed the rise in measles cases not only to declining vaccination rates but also to a broader anti-vaccine movement that has gained traction globally, including in the United Kingdom, Canada, and various European and Central Asian countries. Gottlieb pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in this shift, leading to hesitations about vaccines and fostering an environment where vaccine skepticism flourishes.
According to Gottlieb, the decline in vaccination rates is alarming. He referenced the early 1990s, when vaccination rates fell to around 88%, resulting in tens of thousands of measles cases. Currently, the U.S. vaccination rate is about 90%, but specific regions are much lower, allowing outbreaks to take hold. He emphasized the importance of attaining herd immunity, noting that a community vaccination rate of 95% is necessary to effectively control the spread of measles.
Gottlieb warned that the implications extend beyond measles. Diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are also on the rise, with pertussis outbreaks becoming increasingly frequent. He urged for continued public education around the significance of vaccines, particularly the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, stressing that measles is highly contagious.
Controversy in Vaccine Messaging
The discussion touched upon the recent testimony of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) director, who reiterated the safety of vaccines during a Senate hearing. When pressed by Senator Bernie Sanders about vaccines and autism, Bhattacharya stated, “I have not seen a study that suggests any single vaccine causes autism.” However, the following day, he suggested that his remarks had been mischaracterized, indicating the complexity of the current vaccination narrative.
Gottlieb noted that political dynamics have muddled the messaging around vaccines, especially under the leadership of Secretary Kennedy, who has been a long-standing advocate against vaccines. He commented on the reluctance of officials to diverge from the secretary’s stance, which complicates public understanding.
He called for more clarity from health officials, stating that clear communication about the importance of vaccinations is essential. He highlighted the need for voices like Dr. Mehmet Oz, who has publicly emphasized the necessity of the MMR vaccine, to advocate for vaccination with conviction.
In a personal reflection, Gottlieb shared his own battle with Epstein-Barr Virus, which led to the development of B cell lymphoma, illustrating the long-term consequences that viral infections can have on health. He expressed concern over the prevailing belief among some that these infections are trivial, urging a reevaluation of the risks associated with vaccine-preventable diseases.
The ongoing conversations about measles outbreaks and vaccination hesitancy underline the critical intersection of public health, policy, and the necessity for informed decision-making in an era of rising skepticism.
