Summary
The United States lost its measles elimination status after ongoing local transmission and more than 5,400 cases in 2026. Health officials say higher vaccination rates, rapid case detection, and quick outbreak response are needed to stop transmission and regain the status.
Key Facts
- The Pan American Health Organization determined that the United States no longer meets the standard for measles elimination.
- The United States had not lost measles elimination status since 2000.
- The CDC recorded 5,412 measles cases in 2026 as of November 14, more than double the 2,242 cases reported in 2025.
- About one-third of this year's cases are linked to outbreaks that began in 2025 and continued to spread.
- Measles cases have been confirmed in 45 states and Washington, D.C., in 2026.
- The CDC tally reported more than 590 hospitalizations and at least six measles-related deaths nationwide.
- The largest outbreak was in Pennsylvania, where state officials reported more than 1,500 cases and seven associated deaths.
- The Pan American Health Organization recommends measles vaccination rates of at least 95%, along with strong case monitoring and rapid outbreak response.
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