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U.S. Loses Measles Elimination Status Amidst Record Case Surge

U.S. Loses Measles Elimination Status Amidst Record Case Surge

The United States has officially lost its measles elimination status, a designation it held for over 25 years since 2000. This decision, confirmed by researchers with knowledge of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), comes as the U.S. has recorded over 5,400 measles cases so far in 2026, more than double the previous year's total. PAHO, a regional office of the World Health Organization, defines measles elimination as having no locally transmitted infections or outbreaks lasting 12 months or longer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data indicates that approximately one-third of this year's cases are linked to outbreaks that began in 2025 and are still spreading. In 2025, the nation saw 2,242 cases, leading to 245 hospitalizations and three deaths. This year, cases have been confirmed in 45 states and Washington, D.C., resulting in over 590 hospitalizations and at least six measles-related deaths, with Pennsylvania reporting the largest outbreak with over 1,500 cases and seven de...
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Pennsylvania, Wisconsin report measles-linked deaths as cases rise

Pennsylvania, Wisconsin report measles-linked deaths as cases rise

By Kunal Das and Kamal Choudhury Nov 13 (Reuters) - Health officials in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin reported a measles-associated death each on Friday as the worst outbreak in decades spreads across the US.
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U.S. Measles Cases Surpass 5,000 in 2026, Threatening Elimination Status Amid Declining Vaccination Rates

U.S. Measles Cases Surpass 5,000 in 2026, Threatening Elimination Status Amid Declining Vaccination Rates

The United States is facing a significant resurgence of measles, with over 5,000 confirmed cases reported nationwide in 2026, marking the highest number since 1991. This increase has led to outbreaks across 47 jurisdictions, prompting public health officials to confront renewed transmission of a disease previously eliminated in 2000. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is currently reviewing the U.S.'s measles elimination status, assessing whether sustained domestic transmission has returned. A key factor contributing to this resurgence is the decline in childhood vaccination coverage. The CDC's 2025-2026 school vaccination data indicates that only 92.4% of kindergarten students received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, falling below the approximately 95% coverage generally required for community protection. Approximately 280,000 kindergarten students attended school without complete MMR vaccination documentation, and exemptions for required immunizations rose to 4.2% from 3.6% the pr...
USA TodayUSA Today
US had eliminated measles. RFK Jr. helped bring it back | Opinion

US had eliminated measles. RFK Jr. helped bring it back | Opinion

Thanks to anti-vaccine non-scientists like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., vaccinations are down and measles cases are up.
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Health Officials Issue Measles Exposure Alert for Owensboro Restaurant

Health Officials Issue Measles Exposure Alert for Owensboro Restaurant

Health officials have identified a potential measles exposure at Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits in Owensboro, Kentucky. The exposure occurred on October 29, between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. According to Clay Horton, director of the Green River District Health Department, a patron who was later diagnosed with measles was present at the restaurant during this specific timeframe. The Owensboro Times reported that individuals who were at the restaurant during these hours should monitor themselves for measles symptoms through November 19. A public health notice advises those potentially exposed to verify their immunity status and watch for symptoms for 21 days post-exposure. If symptoms develop, individuals are urged to contact their healthcare provider or local health department before visiting in person, to allow for precautions to protect others. Measles is described as a highly contagious respiratory virus with potential for serious complications, particularly in young children.
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Shift4 Payments to Acquire Paramount Commerce for Up to $317 Million USD, Expanding Payment Processing Capabilities

Shift4 Payments to Acquire Paramount Commerce for Up to $317 Million USD, Expanding Payment Processing Capabilities

Shift4 Payments to Acquire Paramount Commerce for Up to $317 Million USD, Expanding Payment Processing Capabilities
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USTR Invokes USMCA Labor Mechanism to Address Alleged Workers' Rights Violations in Mexico

USTR Invokes USMCA Labor Mechanism to Address Alleged Workers' Rights Violations in Mexico

USTR Invokes USMCA Labor Mechanism to Address Alleged Workers' Rights Violations in Mexico
AP NewsAP News
The US and Mexico are on the verge of forfeiting a major health victory. Here's what to know

The US and Mexico are on the verge of forfeiting a major health victory. Here's what to know

International health experts are meeting to assess whether the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles elimination status
ReutersReuters
US CDC confirms six measles-related deaths in 2026

US CDC confirms six measles-related deaths in 2026

Nov 12 (Reuters) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed six measles-related deaths in the US this year, according to the agency's website on Thursday, as the country grapples with its worst resurgence of the virus in decades.
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US loses measles-free status after continued spread of the disease, WSJ reports

US loses measles-free status after continued spread of the disease, WSJ reports

Nov 13 (Reuters) - The Pan American Health Organization has revoked the United States' measles-elimination status after 26 years, because the country did not halt continuous transmission of the highly contagious virus for more than a year, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.
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Pennsylvania reports seventh measles-linked death as cases rise

Pennsylvania reports seventh measles-linked death as cases rise

Nov 13 (Reuters) - Pennsylvania health officials on Friday reported the state's seventh measles-associated death this year as the worst outbreak in decades spreads across the US.
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Huge crowds and low vaccination rates raise measles alarms as Pope Leo XIV visits South America

Huge crowds and low vaccination rates raise measles alarms as Pope Leo XIV visits South America

While millions of Catholics gather to catch a glimpse of Pope Leo XIV in South America, health authorities are watching for a different kind of visitor: measles