US loses measles-free status after continued spread of the disease: Report
The reported decision by the Americas branch of the World Health Organization comes as the US battles the highest number of measles cases it has seen in more than three decades.
The World Health Organization has stripped the United States of its measles-elimination status after a 26-year run, citing continuous transmission of the highly contagious virus for over a year. This comes as the US battles the highest number of measles cases in more than three decades, with 7,500 people infected and 13 deaths reported since 2025.
The decision was made by the Americas branch of the WHO, which reviewed epidemiological and laboratory evidence provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falling immunization rates and increasing vaccine hesitancy, driven by former Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., are contributing factors to the resurgence.
Canada, Spain, and the UK recently also lost their measles-elimination status. To regain the status, a country must end transmission and remain outbreak-free for at least 12 months.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- US loses measles-free status amid continued spread freemalaysiatoday.com
