# US Loses Measles Elimination Status

> US loses measles elimination status after 26 years as cases surge.
- Title: US Loses Measles Elimination Status · Fox News | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: measles, cdc, measles cases, measles elimination status, wisc, mmr vaccine, public health, measles outbreak, measles fatality, Fox News
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/health/us-loses-longstanding-measles-elimination-status-cases-surge-nationwide
- Author: Melissa Rudy
- Published: 2026-11-14T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: measles, us, cdc, measles cases, measles elimination status, wisc, mmr vaccine, public health, measles outbreak, measles fatality, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

US reported 5,412 measles cases in 2026 through Nov 12, more than double 2025 cases, losing elimination status after 26 years.