PAHO removes United States’ measles-elimination status
PAHO revoked the United States’ measles-elimination status after a surge in cases; the U.S. must stop spread for 12 months to recover it.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has removed the United States’ designation as a country where measles has been eliminated, marking a reversal for a nation that held the status since 2000.
The change follows a steep rise in confirmed measles cases in recent years and this year’s surge of infections; according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 5,400 cases have been recorded this year, a total not seen since the period before elimination in 2000.
Recent toll and what comes next
Health authorities in several states have also reported fatalities. Pennsylvania, New York and Wisconsin together this month reported a total of five deaths linked to measles.
To regain its eliminated status, the United States must interrupt sustained measles transmission for at least 12 months. Public-health specialists say that achieving that will require renewed vaccination drives, improved outbreak control and stronger community outreach where vaccination coverage has fallen.
PAHO has not publicly commented on media reports about the decision.
Photo: press material from the event
