US measles elimination status revoked as outbreak spreads through 45 states - report

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) revoked the US measles elimination status as an outbreak spreads across 45 states. Over 5,100 cases have been reported to the CDC in 2026, surpassing last year's total. The loss of status follows falling immunization rates and vaccine hesitancy under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) revoked the US measles elimination status, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. The US had achieved elimination in 2000 through immunization campaigns and a program providing free vaccines for millions of children. Elimination status means the disease does not develop and spread within the country, and outbreaks occur only from imported cases. A country loses elimination when PAHO finds the same strain has been circulating uninterrupted for 12 months or longer. As of Thursday, 5,182 confirmed measles cases had been reported to the CDC from 45 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia in 2026, surpassing last year's total of 2,289. The resurgence comes amid falling immunization rates and rising vaccine hesitancy under US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has spread doubts about measles vaccine safety without scientific evidence. Two doses of the measles vaccine provide 97% protection against the virus, which can cause blindness, deafness, brain damage, or death.