An ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States has raised concerns among Americans about the Trump administration’s handling of the situation, as revealed by a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. Only 31% of respondents believe the administration is managing the outbreak responsibly, while 40% disagree. The country is currently experiencing its largest measles outbreak in 25 years, with cases surpassing 1,000. Despite the effectiveness of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing 97% of cases, vaccination rates among U.S. children have declined due to skepticism and misinformation.

The majority of Americans still view the MMR vaccine as safe, with 86% considering it safe for children. Concerns about vaccine hesitancy have been exacerbated by mixed messages from individuals like Secretary for Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. However, experts like Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics are encouraged by the public’s confidence in the MMR vaccine amidst misleading information.

The poll also highlighted that 76% of respondents, including both Republicans and Democrats, believe it is the duty of all parents to vaccinate their children against measles. While national vaccination rates remain above the threshold for herd immunity, localized pockets of low vaccination coverage pose a significant risk.

Despite these challenges, most Americans are worried about measles outbreaks, with 55% expressing concern. However, only 32% believe the current administration will be able to halt the outbreak and prevent measles from resurging as a common illness. Vaccination rates continue to be a critical issue in safeguarding public health against preventable diseases like measles.