Eye-Opening Analysis Exposes Gaps in Media Coverage

A startling new analysis published in the American Journal of Infection Control reveals a concerning trend in media reporting on the recent US measles outbreak. Out of 100 news reports from June 2025, it was found that a mere 25% cited any research, highlighting a significant issue in how critical health information is disseminated to the public.

Non-Mainstream Outlets Lead in Credentialed Content

Conducted through an incognito browser on June 16, 2025, researchers searched Google News using the terms "Measles AND United States." The analysis covered the first 100 English-language articles that mentioned both measles and the US. Surprisingly, less than half of these reports (43%) originated from mainstream news outlets, with only 23% written by credentialed professionals or organizations.

The Shocking Statistics About Source Credibility

Non-mainstream digital sources showed a significant edge, sharing information from credentialed authors three times more often than mainstream news (31.6% compared to 11.6%). Yet, alarmingly, just 21% of reports referenced research related to the causes, control, or prevention of measles.

Majority Take an Informational Tone, But Miss the Mark on Research

The study showed that 94% of reports maintained an informational tone, with 72% supporting vaccination. However, 28% presented mixed views, straddling the line between pro- and anti-vaccination stances. Despite the abundance of informational content, fewer than a quarter of the reports cited peer-reviewed research or featured authors with credible expertise.

Opportunity for Improvement in Health Communication

The research emphasizes the urgent need for media to incorporate more peer-reviewed evidence in their coverage. The authors noted, "This suggests that there is an opportunity for experts to bolster the dissemination of peer-reviewed evidence in media coverage," implying a significant gap that needs to be filled.

CDC Reports Surge in Measles Cases Amid Outbreak

As of today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a staggering 1,408 confirmed measles cases across 43 jurisdictions, along with 35 outbreaks in 2025. Comparatively, 86% of the confirmed cases are outbreak-associated.

A Grim Reality: Measles Hospitalizations and Deaths