U.S. loses measles elimination status
Summary
The Pan American Health Organization determined that the United States has lost its measles elimination status after the same strain circulated for more than 12 months. The CDC has recorded 5,412 confirmed cases in 2026, more than twice the 2,289 cases reported for all of 2025.Key Facts
- An expert panel convened by the Pan American Health Organization made the determination after a three-day meeting in Washington, D.C.
- Measles elimination status depends on whether the same strain circulates for 12 months or longer without interruption.
- The 2026 case count is the highest since 1991, when the United States recorded 9,643 cases.
- The overwhelming majority of measles cases are in unvaccinated people.
- Public health officials say vaccination rates need to remain above 95% to maintain community protection.
- Pennsylvania has reported more than 1,500 cases and six measles-associated deaths.
- About one in five unvaccinated people in the United States who contract measles is hospitalized, according to the CDC.
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