US loses its status of country that eliminated measles — newspaper

Detailed summary

According to the newspaper, more than 5,400 cases of measles were reported in the US in 2026, marking the highest number in several decades

NEW YORK, November 14. /TASS/. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has stripped the US of its status as a country where endemic measles transmission has been eliminated, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources.

According to the newspaper, more than 5,400 cases of measles were reported in the US in 2026, marking the highest number in several decades. In November alone, five deaths were recorded in Pennsylvania, New York, and Wisconsin as a result of unrelated outbreaks of the disease.

The US achieved measles-free status in 2000 thanks to large-scale vaccination campaigns. However, the percentage of children attending daycare who are vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella has dropped from 95.2% to 92.4% over the past six years.

To regain this status, the US must ensure that there is no sustained transmission of the virus for at least 12 months. According to the newspaper, this could take years.

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