Spanish-language posts falsely claim that measles never existed

Several Spanish-language social media accounts are falsely claiming that measles never existed and insinuating that the vaccine against the virus is unwarranted. Additionally, two of the posters attached a video of a man falsely claiming that a German court ruled that the virus never existed.

Risk level: Medium 

Recommendation: These types of posts may discourage patients from getting the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine for themselves or for their children. Talking points may emphasize that measles does exist, and low vaccination rates in recent years have caused an alarming number of outbreaks around the world. Measles can cause serious complications, especially in children, including hospitalization and death. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97 percent effective at preventing measles. The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months old and their second dose at four to six years old.