An op-ed on the return of a deadly disease, the fraud that fueled its comeback, and what we can do right now to protect our communities.

 

A virus we eliminated over two decades ago is back: measles. It can linger in the air for two hours, infect 90% of unvaccinated people, and can be fatal. In 2026, measles is no longer history it is a public health threat in our neighborhoods, theaters, gyms, and airports.

 

In 2025, 95% of measles cases were in unvaccinated individuals, all preventable deaths.

 

On January 15, 2026, Maricopa County confirmed its first case of the year, an adult linked to international travel who required hospitalization. Within days, exposures were reported at Hale Theatre Arizona and in several community locations in Gilbert, including EOS Fitness, Target, and Sam's Club. Nationwide, the U.S. recorded over 2,200 cases in 2025, the highest in 30 years, with three preventable deaths. Arizona alone has already reported 25 cases this year.

 

Before the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in 1963, measles infected millions annually, hospitalized tens of thousands, caused encephalitis in 1,000, and killed 400–500 each year. Two doses of MMR are 97% effective. By 2000, measles was eliminated in the U.S.

 

The resurgence of measles stems from Andrew Wakefield’s 1998 fraudulent study that falsely linked the MMR vaccine to autism. Although the study was thoroughly discredited and Wakefield eventually lost his medical license, the misinformation he spread contributed to declining vaccination rates. In 2010, The Lancet fully retracted the paper. That same year, Britain’s General Medical Council found Wakefield guilty of serious professional misconduct, citing his “callous disregard” for the children involved, who were subjected to invasive procedures such as colonoscopies and lumbar punctures without proper ethical approval, ultimately leading to the revocation of his license.

 

Why Physicians Must Lead
Anti-vaccine misinformation spreads faster than any virus. Physicians, still trusted by patients, have a crucial role. We must share facts in clinics, online, and in communities, translating expertise into action.

 

What You Can Do Right Now
For patients and parents:

• Check vaccination records (Arizona residents can visit myIR or contact MCDPH CARES at 602-506-6767.

• Ensure two doses of MMR for children; unvaccinated adults should get at least one.

• Know symptoms: high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash starting at the hairline.

• Call your provider before visiting if you suspect measles.

• Do not substitute vitamin A for vaccination.

 

If you are a parent reading this, please talk to your physician. Ask questions. Get the facts. And protect your family with a vaccine that has saved millions.

 

For medical professionals:

• Consider measles in any patient with fever and rash.

• Review immunity of all staff.

• Have an isolation plan; use negative pressure rooms or private rooms.

• Report suspected cases immediately to MCDPH at 602-506-3747.

• Talk to patients about vaccination, post accurate information, and counter misinformation with empathy and evidence.

 

If you are a physician reading this, please do not wait for someone else to speak up. Your patients are listening. Be the voice they need.

 

Measles is one of the most contagious but preventable diseases. The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and has saved millions of lives. The challenge now is whether we will act. Physicians speak up. Parents, get the facts and protect your children. Silence allows measles to spread, action saves lives.

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Click here to watch Dr. Fadul’s educational video and learn why MMR vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have to protect our community, children, and families.

 

This is not a distant problem. This is Scottsdale. This is Phoenix. This is your waiting room. This is across our nation.