# US and Mexico Lose Measles Elimination Status

> US and Mexico face measles resurgence after losing elimination status.
- Title: US and Mexico Lose Measles Elimination Status · Seattletimes
- Summary: US and Mexico face measles resurgence after losing elimination status. US and Mexico have lost measles elimination status as outbreaks surge with 50+ deaths…
- Keywords: measles, mexico, measles outbreak, vaccination rate, measles elimination, measles deaths, measles cases, pan american health organization, cdc, Seattletimes
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/the-us-and-mexico-are-on-the-verge-of-forfeiting-a-major-health-victory-heres-what-to-know
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: measles, us, mexico, measles outbreak, vaccination rate, measles elimination, measles deaths, measles cases, pan american health organization, cdc, news, local
## Measles elimination status at risk
International health experts meet to determine if US and Mexico have forfeited measles elimination status.
## Measles resurgence in US and Mexico
Large outbreaks have hit multiple US states with over 5,100 confirmed cases this year, double the 2025 tally.
## Measles cases in Mexico
Mexico reports over 20,500 confirmed measles cases with 50 measles-related deaths, mostly children under 5.
## Measles elimination status history
US achieved measles elimination status in 2000 after vaccination campaigns reached 97% childhood vaccination rate.
## Measles vaccination rates dropping
US childhood vaccination rate fell to 92% nationally last year, much lower in certain states and communities.
## Measles outbreak causes
Outbreaks linked to unvaccinated Mennonite child traveling between Texas and Mexico.
## Measles deaths in US
US has seen eight measles-associated deaths this year, more than any year in over three decades.
## Measles elimination status decision
PAHO will determine if US and Mexico have lost measles elimination status based on genetic evidence of one year of spread.
## Key takeaway

US and Mexico have lost measles elimination status as outbreaks surge with 50+ deaths in Mexico and over 5,100 cases in the US.