America faces worst measles outbreaks in decades amid reports of losing its health status

Reports indicate that the United States has lost its measles elimination status after an international review concluded that the virus has been circulating for more than 12 months, with cases exceeding 5,400 since the start of the year.

Media reports say the United States has lost its measles elimination status, which it had held for 26 years, after an international health review determined that the virus has been circulating within the country for more than 12 months, while confirmed cases have surpassed 5,400 since the beginning of this year. The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the decision, reported that the Pan American Health Organization decided to revoke the status after reviewing epidemiological and laboratory evidence. Bloomberg also reported, citing informed sources, that the international review concluded the United States had lost its previous health status. The organization has not issued an official confirmation of the decision and did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. The United States had achieved measles elimination status in 2000 after successfully stopping sustained local transmission of the virus.