Measles summit convenes pediatric and public health leaders amid highest US case count in 35 years

As measles cases in the United States continue to rise to levels not seen in decades, pediatric and infectious disease organizations are calling for renewed vaccination efforts and expanded clinician support to address ongoing outbreaks.¹

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), in partnership with the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), convened a Measles Summit on May 7 and 8, 2026, in San Diego, California, bringing together representatives from 15 medical and professional societies. Participants included leaders from pediatric, infectious disease, nursing, laboratory, obstetric, and public health organizations.

According to summit organizers, 1,842 confirmed measles cases had been reported in the United States as of May 7, 2026, across 37 states and Washington, DC.² The figure represents the highest annual number of reported measles cases in the country in 35 years. Organizers also noted that 92% of reported cases occurred in individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.

The summit focused on helping clinicians and health systems respond to evolving outbreaks while also identifying gaps in preparedness, education, and public health communication. Discussions included pediatric care considerations, outbreak response protocols, infection prevention strategies, and the development of practical resources for frontline healthcare professionals.

Because measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, many currently practicing clinicians have little firsthand experience diagnosing or managing the disease. Summit organizers emphasized that measles remains highly contagious and can result in severe complications, including pneumonia, seizures, neurologic injury, and death.

Among unvaccinated individuals who contract measles in the United States, approximately 1 in 5 will require hospitalization, according to NFID. In addition, an estimated 1 to 3 deaths occur for every 1,000 cases despite access to supportive medical care.

“This is a preventable crisis,” said Ruth Lynfield, MD, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist who co-organized the summit. “Measles outbreaks would not be occurring if vaccination rates were higher.”

Pediatric concerns highlighted during summit

Summit participants identified several pediatric-focused priorities, including updated clinical guidance on neonatal and pediatric measles management, improved decision-support tools for clinicians across health care settings, and protocols for monitoring long-term complications after infection.

The meeting also emphasized the need for communication strategies that address local concerns while reinforcing the role of immunization in protecting children and families.

Representatives from pediatric organizations underscored the importance of maintaining routine childhood vaccination schedules as outbreaks continue to expand nationwide.

“We can stop contagious diseases like measles in their tracks and protect our most vulnerable communities through on-time vaccinations,” said American Academy of Pediatrics President Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP. “Every child deserves to thrive and grow, and vaccinations are what allow our communities to be healthy by protecting those at greatest risk, especially infants.”

The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners also highlighted the role of pediatric clinicians in outbreak response and vaccine education.

“Pediatric-focused advanced practice nurses are often the first point of contact for families, making us critical partners in preventing the spread of measles through timely vaccination, education, and early identification of cases,” said Felesia Bowen, PhD, DNP, PPCNP-BC, FADLN, FAAN.

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society also emphasized the risks measles poses to infants and immunocompromised children.

“Each case of measles threatens not only the individual, but also those around them,” said Debra L. Palazzi, MD, MEd, FPIDS. “The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society is committed to working with our summit partners and all front-line clinicians to protect our communities, particularly infants too young to be vaccinated and immunocompromised children unable to receive vaccination, from the near- and long-term harms posed by measles.”

Resources planned for frontline clinicians

Summit organizers said participating organizations will collaborate on new educational materials and practical tools to support clinicians, hospitals, health systems, and public health departments responding to measles outbreaks.

Priority areas include infection control guidance, outbreak preparedness, case management resources, and tools for schools, urgent care centers, clinics, and hospitals. Organizers also plan to develop materials informed by lessons learned during recent outbreaks.

“Even one case of measles raises an alarm because the disease is so contagious and potentially serious,” said Patricia “Patsy” A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, immediate past president of NFID.

Organizers said future resources will aim to support health care professionals caring for vulnerable populations, including pregnant patients and infants who are too young to receive measles vaccination.

References

1. Measles summit convenes to help healthcare professionals address ongoing outbreaks. News release. IDSA.May 12, 2026. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://www.idsociety.org/news--publications-new/articles/2026/measles-summit-convenes-to-help-healthcare-professionals-address-ongoing-outbreaks/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRxig9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFINzl1QUR3UjVWcTlRRmZ2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHonLD_wKm_SekSTyYxX6R3uXI9zYNVL0fDa_w02VfDRR8eKSBF9F3otGNFLa_aem_QmEf7S2yIGDscuVlGmKc8A

2. Measles cases and outbreaks. CDC. Updated May 8, 2026. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html