"Measles has been considered virtually "eliminated" in the U.S. since 2000. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) definition of "elimination status," which the U.S. has agreed to abide by, measles is considered virtually eliminated within a member country when there has been "interruption" of transmission of the virus "for a period greater than or equal to 12 months, in the presence of high-quality surveillance." A country loses its elimination status when there is an end to that "interruption.""
"Prior to January 2025, there were months when the spread of measles was virtually nonexistent within the U.S. However, since that time - which roughly coincides with President Donald Trump returning to the White House, and noted anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. taking control of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - measles rates have skyrocketed across dozens of jurisdictions."
Measles had been considered virtually 'eliminated' in the U.S. since 2000 under PAHO criteria requiring 12 months' interruption of transmission with high-quality surveillance. Before January 2025, measles spread was virtually nonexistent in the U.S. Since roughly January 2025, coinciding with President Trump's return and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. leading HHS, measles rates have skyrocketed across dozens of jurisdictions. Confirmed cases rose from 285 in 2024 to 2,242 in 2025. Within the first two weeks of January 2026, 171 cases were confirmed, projecting a possible doubling of 2026 cases if trends continue. Officials plan to fight to retain elimination status amid vaccine disinformation.
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