U.S. reportedly loses measles-elimination status after 26 years
The United States has reportedly lost its measles-elimination status, a change that signals measles is spreading continuously within the country, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter and the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) criterion that sustained transmission lasts at least 12 months.
PAHO’s independent regional verification commission reviewed countries’ elimination status during its Nov. 10–13 meeting in Washington, D.C., and the agency had planned to announce the determination publicly on Tuesday, Nov. 17, KFF Health News reported, citing researchers with direct knowledge of the deliberations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 5,412 confirmed measles cases in 2026 through Nov. 12, more than double the 2,289 cases reported in all of 2025, the article states. The U.S. had held measles-elimination status since 2000.
Fox News Digital quoted New York City emergency medicine physician and Fox News medical contributor Dr. Stephanie Widmer calling the loss a “public health setback,” and noting measles can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation, permanent neurological damage and death. Fox News Digital also quoted Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel saying the change reflects domestic transmission and urging vaccination outreach to communities with low rates.
The American Academy of Family Physicians told Fox News Digital that the loss of elimination status “signals that the virus is spreading continuously and that too many people remain unprotected,” and added that it does not mean the MMR vaccine has stopped working. The AAFP said restoring elimination status requires an organized and sustained response, including increased support for state and local health departments, timelier surveillance and communications, clear information for families and easier access to vaccination.
The CDC states measles is highly contagious, infecting up to nine in 10 susceptible people who are close to an infected person, and that the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective; the CDC recommends the first MMR dose at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Most adults without evidence of immunity need one MMR dose, while certain higher-risk adults need two.
Fox News Digital reported it reached out to PAHO and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requesting comment.
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