CDC data confirms US is 2 months away from losing measles elimination status
3 days ago
- #measles
- #public health
- #outbreak
- Federal health officials confirm two massive US measles outbreaks are linked.
- The outbreaks, in West Texas and Arizona/Utah, are caused by the same measles virus subtype (9171).
- Continuous circulation of the virus for 10 months threatens US measles elimination status.
- If circulation surpasses 12 months by January 2026, the US will lose its elimination status.
- The Texas outbreak had 762 cases; Arizona and Utah have reported 212 cases so far.
- Loss of elimination status means measles would be considered endemic again in the US.
- The US earned its measles elimination status in 2000 after extensive vaccination campaigns.