The US is on the verge of losing its measles elimination status
9 days ago
- #vaccination-crisis
- #measles-outbreak
- #public-health
- The US is at risk of losing its measles elimination status due to ongoing outbreaks.
- A measles outbreak in West Texas has raised concerns about uninterrupted transmission for over 12 months.
- Experts link the resurgence to declining vaccination rates, influenced by waivers, misinformation, and reduced public health funding.
- In 2025, the CDC confirmed 2,242 measles cases across 44 states—the highest since 1991.
- Measles is highly contagious, requiring a 95% vaccination rate for herd immunity, but current rates are at 92.5% nationally.
- Texas’ outbreak led to 762 confirmed cases, two deaths, and significant underreporting due to healthcare access barriers.
- Genetic sequencing shows the same measles strain across multiple US states and North American countries.
- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will decide in April whether to revoke the US measles-free status.
- Mexico’s measles outbreak, linked to Texas, is also under review by PAHO.
- Public health officials warn that measles could worsen in 2026 without stronger vaccination efforts.