From HuffPost · · 1m
US Loses Measles-Free Status
US drops measles-elimination status after 12 months of continuous transmission.
In brief
US drops measles-elimination status after 12 months of continuous transmission. The US lost measles-elimination status after 12 months of continuous measles transmission, with 7,500 cases and 13 deaths since 2025. Originally reported by HuffPost.
US loses measles-elimination status
The Pan American Health Organization revoked the United States’ measles-elimination status after 12 months of continuous transmission.
7,500 measles cases since 2025
The US reported 7,500 measles cases and 13 deaths since 2025, the highest number in over three decades.
Vaccine hesitancy under Health Secretary
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spread doubts about measles vaccine safety without scientific evidence.
CDC confirms 12 months of transmission
The CDC determined the US had 12 months of continuous measles transmission, ending its measles-elimination status.
Measles elimination status history
The US achieved measles-elimination status in 2000, requiring 95% vaccination for herd immunity.
Consequence of loss
The US faces large measles outbreaks, risking hospitalization and death for unvaccinated individuals.
What to remember
The US lost measles-elimination status after 12 months of continuous measles transmission, with 7,500 cases and 13 deaths since 2025.
