The US is on the verge of losing its measles elimination status. Here’s why that matters

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by By DEVI SHASTRIJanuary 20, 2026 at 07:23 PM

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long article 5 min

The U.S. is at risk of losing its measles elimination status due to a significant increase in cases and outbreaks. International health authorities will determine in April if the U.S. has had a continuous chain of measles transmission for over 12 months. In the past year, there were over 2,144 cases across 44 states, the highest since 1991. Experts attribute the rise to declining vaccination rates stemming from parental waivers, access issues, and disinformation, as well as actions from the previous administration. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to combat the spread, while the Department of Health and Human Services says it is working to increase vaccination rates.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Wisconsin 30% Arizona 30% Utah 30% Brown University 30% Jennifer Nuzzo 40% Department of Health and Human Services 50% Canada 50% Jonathan Temte 50% Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 60% Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ×270% Texas ×270% United States ×590%

Keywords

measles 100% vaccination 90% measles elimination status 80% public health 70% vaccine-preventable virus 60% outbreak 60% vaccine safety 60% disinformation 50% centers for disease control and prevention 50%