Measles Outbreak Linked to March for Life Rally in DC

Officials warn thousands of attendees to monitor for symptoms after potential exposure

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Washington, D.C. health officials have confirmed that several people with active measles infections attended the annual March for Life rally on the National Mall, potentially exposing thousands of attendees to the highly contagious virus. The officials are urging anyone who may have been at the march or other affected locations to contact their healthcare providers and monitor for symptoms over the next 21 days.

Why it matters

The March for Life is one of the largest annual gatherings in the nation's capital, drawing tens of thousands of anti-abortion rights activists. A measles outbreak linked to the event raises concerns about public health risks at large-scale events and the ongoing challenges of maintaining measles elimination status in the United States amid growing anti-vaccination sentiment.

The details

According to health authorities, the confirmed measles cases visited multiple locations in Washington, D.C. around the time of the January 23rd March for Life rally, including the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Catholic University's campus, Reagan National Airport, Union Station, and the emergency department at Children's National Hospital. Officials are urging anyone who may have been exposed at these sites to contact their healthcare providers, the D.C. Health Department, or their local health department, and to monitor for measles symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash.

  • The March for Life rally took place on January 23, 2026.
  • Potential exposure sites include locations visited by infected individuals from January 21 to February 2, 2026.

The players

March for Life

An annual anti-abortion rights rally that takes place in Washington, D.C. and draws tens of thousands of attendees.

D.C. Health Department

The public health agency for the District of Columbia that is leading the response to the measles outbreak linked to the March for Life rally.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The U.S. federal agency that tracks and responds to disease outbreaks, including the ongoing national measles outbreak.

World Health Organization (WHO)

The United Nations agency responsible for public health globally, which has asked the U.S. to review its measles elimination status.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

A physician and media personality who urged viewers on CNN to get the measles vaccine.

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What they’re saying

“We must urge anyone who may have been exposed and isn't immune to contact a health provider, DC Health, or their local health department, and to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after possible exposure.”

— D.C. Health Department

“The CDC has logged 733 cases so far this year, with about 3% leading to hospitalization, after reporting 2,276 cases last year—the highest since measles was declared eliminated in the US around 2000.”

— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“The World Health Organization's Pan American Health Organization has asked the US to meet in April and review its measles elimination status; the Trump administration formally withdrew from WHO last month.”

— World Health Organization (NPR)

“On CNN Sunday, Medicare and Medicaid chief Dr. Mehmet Oz pressed viewers to get the vaccine.”

— Dr. Mehmet Oz, Medicare and Medicaid chief (CNN)

What’s next

The World Health Organization's Pan American Health Organization has asked the U.S. to meet in April to review the country's measles elimination status.

The takeaway

This measles outbreak linked to the March for Life rally highlights the ongoing public health challenges of maintaining measles elimination in the U.S. amid growing anti-vaccination sentiment. It underscores the importance of vaccination, disease surveillance, and coordinated public health responses, especially at large-scale events that draw national crowds.