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Measles: After 26 years, the US has lost its elimination status
CNN • • health
Key Points:
- The United States has lost its measles elimination status for the first time since 2000, as determined by an independent commission reporting to the Pan American Health Organization, due to sustained transmission of the virus for over a year in multiple states.
- Falling vaccination rates and widespread outbreaks, including over 5,400 cases reported this year—the highest since 1991—have contributed to the resurgence, with most cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals.
- Measles poses serious health risks, including immune system damage, complications during pregnancy, and rare fatal neurological conditions, all preventable by the highly effective MMR vaccine.
- Public health experts warn that losing elimination status reflects significant weaknesses in the US public health system and highlights challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and policy undermining that complicate efforts to regain control.
- Regaining measles elimination status will be difficult amid declining vaccination rates and public trust, but it remains a critical goal to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further outbreaks.
