U.S. at Risk of Losing Measles Elimination Status

Vaccination rates have fallen below the 95% needed to maintain herd immunity, leading to a sharp rise in measles cases.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The United States may lose its measles elimination status in April due to a significant increase in measles cases since 2025. Measles vaccination rates have fallen well below the 95% coverage needed to maintain strong herd immunity, allowing the virus to spread. Experts warn that losing this status would be a "very sad commentary" on public attitudes toward vaccination, as measles is a serious disease that can lead to severe complications and even death.

Why it matters

Maintaining measles elimination status is crucial for public health, as it indicates the virus is not spreading person-to-person within a country. Losing this designation would signal a concerning decline in vaccination rates and herd immunity, putting vulnerable populations like infants and the immunocompromised at higher risk of contracting a potentially deadly disease.

The details

The U.S. eliminated measles in 2000, but outbreaks have renewed since 2025, with 2,280 cases reported in 2025 and 910 already this year. Measles elimination requires less than 12 months of sustained person-to-person transmission, and the recent surge in cases puts the U.S. at risk of losing this status in April. Experts say vaccination rates need to be at least 95% to maintain herd immunity and prevent outbreaks, but the U.S. rate is currently just 64%.

  • The U.S. eliminated measles in 2000.
  • Measles outbreaks have renewed since January 2025.
  • In 2024, the U.S. reported 285 measles cases.
  • In 2025, the U.S. reported 2,280 measles cases.
  • As of February 12, the CDC has reported 910 measles cases in 2026.

The players

Aaron Glatt, MD

Chief of infectious disease at Mount Sinai South Nassau Medical Center in Oceanside, NY.

Scott Roberts, MD

Associate medical director for infection prevention at Yale New Haven Health.

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What they’re saying

“This is a serious disease that can have very severe adverse outcomes, including death in children and adults, which are preventable.”

— Aaron Glatt, MD, Chief of infectious disease (verywellhealth.com)

“Anyone who had two doses of measles vaccine are not considered to be at risk. The best defense against measles is vaccination, and if you are not sure of your immunity or vaccination status, it is safe to get a measles vaccine.”

— Scott Roberts, MD, Associate medical director for infection prevention (verywellhealth.com)

What’s next

The Pan American Health Organization has called on American countries to intensify surveillance, vaccination, and outbreak response activities to interrupt measles transmission and protect vulnerable populations.

The takeaway

The potential loss of the U.S. measles elimination status is a wake-up call about the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect public health. Adults unsure of their vaccination status should consult their doctor about getting an additional MMR dose to boost herd immunity and prevent the spread of this dangerous, but preventable, disease.