Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

US Measles Cases Cross 5,000 For First Time Since 1991; Country Risks Losing Elimination Status

The United States is in the midst of one of the worst <span>measles</span> outbreak. It has reported more than 5,000 measles cases in 2026, marking the highest annual total cases since 1991. 

This has raised concerns that the country could lose its measles elimination status after more than 25 years.

<h2>Measles Cases In The US Cross 5,000</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/exclusive-ex-cdc-vaccine-advisor-says-measles-outbreak-bigger-than-reported-slams-rfk-jrs-no-see-evil-approach-article-156363040" data-type="tilCustomLink">EXCLUSIVE: Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Says Measles Outbreak Bigger Than Reported, Slams RFK Jr’s ‘No-See Evil’ Approach</a>

According to an update issued on November 6, the <span>US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</span> (<span>CDC</span>) reported 5,182 confirmed cases as of November 5. This is the first time since 1991 that the annual number of infections has crossed the 5,000 mark.

The latest figure marks an increase of 330 cases from the previous week. The CDC also reported 562 hospitalisations due to <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/pennsylvania-reports-sixth-measles-death-as-outbreak-crosses-1400-cases-across-45-counties-article-156467082" data-type="tilCustomLink">measles</a> this year, which accounts for 11% of confirmed cases.

The outbreak has spread across 47 jurisdictions and 43 outbreaks reported so far in 2026. Approximately around 96% of infections have been linked to outbreaks, while 96% of people infected were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown.

The expanding measles outbreak has sparked concerns about the country's ability to maintain the elimination status it achieved in 2000.

<h2>Could The US Lose Its Measles Elimination Status?</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/its-the-best-studied-vaccine-in-human-history-former-cdc-adviser-busts-common-myths-about-covid-vaccines-article-156402480" data-type="tilCustomLink">'It’s The Best-Studied Vaccine In Human History': Former CDC Adviser Busts Common Myths About COVID Vaccines</a>

The US declared measles eliminated in 2000, meaning that the country had stopped continuous transmission of the virus for at least 12 months, but infections could still occur when people brought the virus into the country from abroad. However, recent outbreaks have raised concerns that measles could become endemic again.

According to the CDC, elimination status is determined by the absence of continuous measles transmission in a geographical area for 12 months or longer, supported by an effective disease surveillance system.

The United States is facing a review of its elimination status by the <span>Pan American Health Organization</span> (<span>PAHO</span>), which is expected to assess the country's progress in controlling transmission during its November 2026 meeting.

The review will examine whether the ongoing outbreaks represent sustained transmission of the virus and whether the country continues to meet the criteria for elimination. Losing elimination status would that the country had failed to interrupt sustained transmission of the virus.

The Americas region had already lost its measles elimination status in November 2025 after Canada experienced continuous transmission for at least 12 months.

<h2>What Happens If The US Loses Its Elimination Status?</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/us-midterms-where-did-voters-support-abortion-rights-and-where-did-they-reject-them-article-156466044" data-type="tilCustomLink">US Midterms: Where Did Voters Support Abortion Rights And Where Did They Reject Them?</a>

Losing measles elimination status would mark a major setback for public health efforts that successfully interrupted continuous measles transmission in the country in 2000.

It would also signal that the virus is circulating continuously within the population rather than appearing mainly through imported infections that cause outbreaks that get eventually contained.

However, elimination status can be regained if sustained transmission is interrupted and the required criteria are met. Public health experts continue to emphasise the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage, identifying cases quickly and responding to outbreaks promptly.

<h2>Who Is Being Affected By The <span rel="noindex">US Measles Outbreak</span>?</h2>

Why Can You Still Get COVID After Vaccination? Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Explains

The latest CDC data show that measles is affecting people across different age groups. Adults aged 20 and older accounted for 2,132 cases, followed by 2,104 infections among people aged five to 19. Children younger than five accounted for 908 cases.

The CDC reported four measles deaths in 2026, compared with three during the whole of 2025. However, the CDC's national death count differs from figures reported by individual state health departments because the agency uses <span>National Center for Health Statistics</span> mortality data for its official tally.

<span>Pennsylvania</span> has been among the hardest-hit states, reporting 1,487 cases, 287 hospitalisations and six associated deaths, according to <em>Reuters</em>. The outbreak has also spread to South Carolina and Utah, which reported 670 and 536 cases, respectively. 

According to state health department reports, the country has recorded eight measles-related deaths this year: six in Pennsylvania, one in New York and one in Wisconsin. At least four involved children or infants.

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The United States is in the midst of one of the worst measles outbreak. It has reported more than 5,000 measles cases in 2026, marking the highest annual total cases since 1991. This has raised concerns that the country could lose its measles elimination status after more than 25 years.Measles Cases In The US Cross 5,000Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Says Measles Outbreak Bigger Than Reported, Slams RFK Jr’s ‘No-See Evil’ ApproachAccording to an update issued on November 6, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 5,182 confirmed cases as of November 5. This is the first time since 1991 that the annual number of infections has crossed the 5,000 mark.The latest figure marks an increase of 330 cases from the previous week. The CDC also reported 562 hospitalisations due to measles this year, which accounts for 11% of confirmed cases.The outbreak has spread across 47 jurisdictions and 43 outbreaks reported so far in 2026. Approximately around 96% of infections have been linked to outbreaks, while 96% of people infected were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown.The expanding measles outbreak has sparked concerns about the country's ability to maintain the elimination status it achieved in 2000.Could The US Lose Its Measles Elimination Status?Also read: 'It’s The Best-Studied Vaccine In Human History': Former CDC Adviser Busts Common Myths About COVID VaccinesThe US declared measles eliminated in 2000, meaning that the country had stopped continuous transmission of the virus for at least 12 months, but infections could still occur when people brought the virus into the country from abroad. However, recent outbreaks have raised concerns that measles could become endemic again.According to the CDC, elimination status is determined by the absence of continuous measles transmission in a geographical area for 12 months or longer, supported by an effective disease surveillance system.The United States is facing a review of its elimination status by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which is expected to assess the country's progress in controlling transmission during its November 2026 meeting.The review will examine whether the ongoing outbreaks represent sustained transmission of the virus and whether the country continues to meet the criteria for elimination. Losing elimination status would that the country had failed to interrupt sustained transmission of the virus.The Americas region had already lost its measles elimination status in November 2025 after Canada experienced continuous transmission for at least 12 months.What Happens If The US Loses Its Elimination Status?Also read: US Midterms: Where Did Voters Support Abortion Rights And Where Did They Reject Them?Losing measles elimination status would mark a major setback for public health efforts that successfully interrupted continuous measles transmission in the country in 2000.It would also signal that the virus is circulating continuously within the population rather than appearing mainly through imported infections that cause outbreaks that get eventually contained.However, elimination status can be regained if sustained transmission is interrupted and the required criteria are met. Public health experts continue to emphasise the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage, identifying cases quickly and responding to outbreaks promptly.Who Is Being Affected By The US Measles Outbreak?         The latest CDC data show that measles is affecting people across different age groups. Adults aged 20 and older accounted for 2,132 cases, followed by 2,104 infections among people aged five to 19. Children younger than five accounted for 908 cases.The CDC reported four measles deaths in 2026, compared with three during the whole of 2025. However, the CDC's national death count differs from figures reported by individual state health departments because the agency uses National Center for Health Statistics mortality data for its official tally.Pennsylvania has been among the hardest-hit states, reporting 1,487 cases, 287 hospitalisations and six associated deaths, according to Reuters. The outbreak has also spread to South Carolina and Utah, which reported 670 and 536 cases, respectively. According to state health department reports, the country has recorded eight measles-related deaths this year: six in Pennsylvania, one in New York and one in Wisconsin. At least four involved children or infants.

us measles cases cross 5,000 for first time since 1991; country risks losing elimination status

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