Analysis of Google News coverage during the 2025 US measles outbreak

Corey H Basch; Erela Datuowei; Apeksha Mewani; Vincent Jones 2nd; Grace C Hillyer

doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2025.08.018

Analysis of Google News coverage during the 2025 US measles outbreak

Am J Infect Control. 2025 Nov;53(11):1234-1236. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2025.08.018. Epub 2025 Aug 26.

Authors

Corey H Basch¹, Erela Datuowei², Apeksha Mewani³, Vincent Jones 2nd⁴, Grace C Hillyer⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. Electronic address: baschc@wpunj.edu.
² Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY.
³ Department of Health Equity, Administration & Technology, Lehman College, The City University of New York, Bronx, NY.
⁴ Department of Health and Human Performance, York College, The City University of New York, Jamacia, NY.
⁵ Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY.

PMID: 40876544
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2025.08.018

Abstract

In 2025, US measles cases reached the highest levels since 2000, coinciding with persistent vaccine hesitancy and mixed media messaging. This study analyzed 100 Google News reports from June 2025. Nonmainstream outlets published more credentialed content (31.6% vs 11.6%, P = .02), yet fewer than 25% cited research. Most reports were informational (94%) and pro-vaccination (72%), though 28% presented mixed messaging. Findings highlight gaps in evidence-based reporting and opportunities for improved health communication.

Keywords: Contagious disease news coverage; Digital news; Health Communication; Health information; Internet news; Measles.

MeSH terms

Disease Outbreaks*
Humans
Internet*
Mass Media*
Measles Vaccine / administration & dosage
Measles* / epidemiology
Measles* / prevention & control
Search Engine*
United States / epidemiology

Substances

Measles Vaccine