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8h ago

Linked Measles Chain Threatens U.S. Elimination Status as CDC Ties Utah–Arizona Cases to Texas Outbreak

Health officials warn that a single strain first detected in West Texas in January has continued uninterrupted across states, putting the WHO elimination designation at risk.

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Overview

  • The CDC and state agencies say the Utah–Arizona surge is connected to the Texas-origin chain, with the circulating strain identified as 9171 and first detected on Jan. 20 in Gaines County, Texas.
  • U.S. measles totals reached 1,723 cases as of Nov. 13, with 87% linked to a record 45 outbreaks this year, according to CDC data.
  • Roughly 92% of infections reported in 2025 involve people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
  • The Utah–Arizona outbreak has grown to more than 180 cases, with about 25% lacking a known source and roughly 7% tied to large events, as local vaccination gains show limited durability.
  • Officials say the United States could lose measles elimination status if the same strain continues circulating into January, after Canada recently forfeited its designation following prolonged transmission.