The United States has lost its measles-elimination status, ending a 26-year run, after an independent commission reporting to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) concludes the virus has been spreading inside the country for more than a year. Multiple outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and CNN, report the decision follows a PAHO process in which countries are classified by elimination status, with a formal announcement expected after PAHO’s director relays the findings to governments.
At the same time, the CDC tracks 5,412 confirmed measles cases in 2026 as of Nov. 12, more than double the 2,289 figure for all of 2025, and the highest count since 1991. Outbreaks account for the great majority of cases, with many tied to new clusters reported through the year. States report additional measles-associated deaths: Pennsylvania and Wisconsin each reported deaths on Friday, bringing the year’s U.S. total to 10 in some reporting, while the CDC figure is described as subject to change.
Some outlets also add broader context about falling immunization rates and vaccine hesitancy, and note that other countries have previously lost elimination status after review.
