US loses measles-free status amid continued spread
The reported decision by the WHO’s Americas branch comes as the US grapples with its highest measles caseload in more than three decades.
The Pan American Health Organization (Paho) has removed the United States from its measles-elimination status, marking a significant setback for the country's public health efforts. The revocation, which comes after 26 years of measles-free status, is attributed to the ongoing transmission of the highly contagious virus for over a year, despite efforts to halt it.
The decision highlights the challenges posed by falling immunization rates and increasing vaccine hesitancy, particularly under the leadership of US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has disseminated vaccine skepticism without scientific backing. As of 2026, the US has recorded 7,500 measles infections and 13 deaths, surpassing the previous year's total of 2,289 cases and making it one of the worst measles resurgences in decades.
Brief written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- US loses measles-free status amid continued spread freemalaysiatoday.com
