Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has raised alarms regarding a significant increase in measles outbreaks across the United States. In an interview with Margaret Brennan on the program “Face the Nation” aired on February 8, 2026, Gottlieb pointed to alarming statistics indicating that approximately 900 cases of measles have been reported in South Carolina, marking the largest outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated in the country.
During the discussion, Gottlieb emphasized that while mass gatherings currently do not pose an immediate risk, the situation is likely to worsen. He noted that last year, the U.S. experienced around 2,000 cases of measles, with 750 cases already reported this year. He anticipates that this number will rise significantly by the end of the year, attributing the escalation to declining vaccination rates among children aged five to seventeen.
Gottlieb highlighted that vaccination rates for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) have fallen to about 90% nationwide, with some states experiencing rates as low as 81%. He emphasized the danger posed by these figures, particularly in areas like Alaska and several states experiencing outbreaks, where rates dip below the herd immunity threshold of 95%.
The former FDA commissioner linked the current measles crisis to a broader anti-vaccine movement that has gained momentum since the COVID-19 pandemic. He asserted that many parents are now more hesitant to vaccinate their children, contributing to the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Gottlieb referenced historical data, noting that in the early 1990s, vaccination rates also fell, resulting in tens of thousands of cases of measles. “We’re starting to get down to lower levels, and I think that’s going to continue to decline,” he stated. “As these children who aren’t getting vaccinated age into school age settings, the outbreaks are going to grow.”
The interview also touched upon the international context, with Gottlieb pointing out that the anti-vaccine sentiment is not limited to the United States. Countries including Britain, Canada, and Spain have similarly lost their measles elimination status, signifying a global trend that necessitates urgent attention.
Responding to questions regarding the muddled messaging around vaccines, Gottlieb expressed concern over political influences in public health messaging. He referenced recent testimony from Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the director of the National Institutes of Health, who was pressed on the relationship between vaccines and autism. Gottlieb remarked that the reluctance of officials to challenge anti-vaccine sentiments within the political landscape is contributing to confusion and misinformation.
The former commissioner also shared his personal experience with viral infections, stating that many people underestimate the severity of diseases that vaccines can prevent. He recounted how his past infection with Epstein-Barr Virus led to a type of cancer, underscoring the potential long-term health consequences of ignoring vaccinations.
Gottlieb concluded by urging public health officials to communicate clear and consistent messages on the importance of vaccinations, particularly the MMR vaccine. “Measles is very contagious,” he cautioned, “and with vaccination rates falling, we’re seeing outbreaks in states like South Carolina, Texas, Florida, Utah, and Arizona.”
The ongoing discussion around vaccination and public health continues to be critical as communities navigate these challenges, highlighting the need for renewed commitment to vaccine education and accessibility.
