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13h ago

U.S. Loses Measles-Elimination Status After Yearlong Domestic Spread

PAHO revoked the designation to highlight gaps in vaccination coverage that must be fixed to stop ongoing transmission.

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A sign reading "measles testing" is seen as an outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, has raised concerns over its spread to other parts of the state, in Seminole, Texas, U.S., February 25, 2025. REUTERS/Sebastian Rocandio/File Photo
A measles alert sign hangs outside the entrance to the Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York, U.S., March 14, 2025. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo
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Overview

  • PAHO revoked the United States’ measles-elimination designation Friday after reviewers concluded a single strain had circulated in linked chains for more than 12 months.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 5,412 confirmed cases as of Nov. 12, 2026, while state health departments collectively report 10 measles-associated deaths and the CDC’s official death tally stands at six.
  • Pennsylvania is the largest U.S. hotspot with 1,542 confirmed cases and seven state-reported measles-associated deaths this year.
  • Vaccination gaps drove the resurgence: kindergarten MMR coverage fell to about 92.4% in 2025–26, and roughly 96–97% of recent cases have been in people who were unvaccinated.
  • The loss of the label does not change on-the-ground response but requires stopping transmission for 12 months, rebuilding high vaccine coverage, and strengthening surveillance to regain elimination status.