Why the U.S. lost measles elimination status—and what it means here

How elimination status is lost

The country was declared to have eliminated measles in 2000. It has now recorded sustained local spread, after cases rose sharply in recent years.

Cases and health risks

The CDC has reported 5,412 measles cases so far in 2026, along with more than 590 hospitalizations and at least six related deaths. Some states have reported additional fatalities. Cases have been confirmed in 45 states and Washington, D.C.

Last year, the country recorded 2,242 cases connected to 48 outbreaks, with 245 hospitalizations and three deaths. Almost all infections were in people who were unvaccinated. Measles can cause serious lung and brain infections, sometimes leading to cognitive issues, deafness or death.

Babies, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems may be unable to receive the vaccine. Awan said these groups would bear “the brunt of the consequences” of greater spread.

Vaccination and prevention

The measles vaccine became widely available in 1963, after which cases fell. By 1981, reported cases were down 80% from the previous year, according to the CDC. Awan said the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles.

The Pan American Health Organization says countries should maintain vaccination rates of at least 95%, along with strong surveillance, laboratory capacity and rapid outbreak response. Data must also be submitted to and verified by the organization.

Childhood vaccination rates have fallen in many U.S. communities, sometimes below levels needed to help prevent outbreaks. Gounder said nine states made it easier to opt out of vaccination in 2025, while states that ended nonmedical exemptions saw kindergarten vaccination rise by 2 to 4 points.

A long history of measles

The United States began collecting national measles data in 1912. In the first decade of reporting, about 6,000 measles-related deaths were recorded each year. After the vaccine became widely available, several generations of Americans grew up without encountering measles. The 2025 total of 2,242 cases was the highest in more than three decades, with infections reported in at least 44 states.