From Fox News · Melissa Rudy · · 1m 10s
US Loses Measles Elimination Status
US loses measles elimination status after 26 years as cases surge.
In brief
US loses measles elimination status after 26 years as cases surge. US reported 5,412 measles cases in 2026 through Nov 12, more than double 2025 cases, losing elimination status after 26 years. Originally reported by Fox News.
Measles Fatality in Wisconsin
An infant in Wisconsin died of measles, marking the state’s first death linked to the disease in 36 years.
US Loses Measles Elimination Status
The US reportedly lost its measles-elimination status after 26 years, according to The Wall Street Journal.
PAHO Announces Status Change
PAHO’s independent regional verification commission reviewed countries’ elimination status during its Nov 10-13 meeting in Washington, D.C.
Measles Cases Surge
The US reported 5,412 confirmed measles cases in 2026 through Nov 12, more than double the 2,289 cases reported in all of 2025.
Public Health Setback
Dr. Stephanie Widmer called the loss of elimination status a 'public health setback' due to measles complications.
Transmission Within Country
Dr. Marc Siegel said the change reflects transmission within the country, not just overseas travel.
Vaccine Effectiveness
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, but gaps in community immunity allow spread.
The takeaway
US reported 5,412 measles cases in 2026 through Nov 12, more than double 2025 cases, losing elimination status after 26 years.
