Why the US, Mexico and Guatemala may lose their measles-free status
Summary
A Pan American Health Organization panel is reviewing whether countries in the Americas still meet the standard for measles elimination. The United States, Mexico and Guatemala may lose that status if the same virus strain has spread without interruption within their borders for at least 12 months; a final decision is expected early next week.Key Facts
- The Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission is meeting in Washington, DC, from Tuesday through Friday to review reports from PAHO’s 35 member states.
- The review covers epidemiological data from 2025 and the first half of 2026.
- The United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru and Bolivia are at risk of losing measles elimination status; Canada lost its status last November.
- The United States has held measles elimination status since 2000 and has had sustained outbreaks since January 2025.
- PAHO reported 57,666 confirmed measles cases in 17 countries and territories in the Americas from January through October 2026.
- Reported cases or deaths alone do not determine a country’s status; experts assess whether the same virus strain spread locally without interruption for at least 12 months.
- Experts use genetic sequencing and epidemiological data, and also consider vaccination coverage, disease monitoring and outbreak response.
- The commission will recommend decisions to PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa, who will make the final determination; the official announcement is expected early next week.
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