A new analysis in the American Journal of Infection Control of 100 Google News reports from June 2025 on the US measles outbreak reveals that non-mainstream outlets published more credentialed content on measles cases, but less than 25% of all news stories cited research.
The study was conducted using an incognito browser, and Google News was searched on June 16, 2025, with the keywords “Measles AND United States.” The first 100 English-language news reports (written, visual, or audio) referencing both measles and the United States were included for analysis.
Less than half (43%) of all articles were published by mainstream news services. Less than one-quarter of reports (23%) were posted by credentialed authors, the authors said, meaning reliable medical or public health professionals or organizations.
Non-mainstream digital news sources presented information from credentialed sources three times more often than mainstream digital news sources (31.6% vs 11.6%), but only 21% cited research related to measles causes, control, or prevention.
“The tone of the reports was mainly informational (94%). Seventy-two percent of reports presented a pro-vaccination stance, but 28% offered mixed pro-/anti-vaccination coverage,” the authors wrote.
They added that 80% of the stories were informational in nature, and 76% were targeted towards the general public.
Fewer than one-quarter featured credentialed authors or cited peer-reviewed research
“Regardless of outlet type, nearly all reports conveyed an informative or neutral tone; however, fewer than one-quarter featured credentialed authors or cited peer-reviewed research,” the authors said. “This suggests that there is an opportunity for experts to bolster the dissemination of peer-reviewed evidence in media coverage.”
US case count reaches 1,408
Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said there were 1,408 confirmed measles cases in 43 jurisdictions and 35 outbreaks reported in 2025.
“86% of confirmed cases (1,214 of 1,408) are outbreak-associated. For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024 and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated,” the CDC said.
There have been 3 confirmed deaths from measles, and 176 people have required hospitalization due to their infections.
In related news, New York’s Rockland County has reported its first measles case since 2019; the patient had recently returned from travel, where the measles exposure likely occurred.