United States Loses Measles-Free Status Amid Resurgence and Two New Deaths

The United States has reportedly lost its measles-free status following a resurgence of the disease and two additional deaths in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. This brings the total confirmed measles cases in the US to over 5,400 in 2026, more than double the cases reported in 2025, and six measles-related deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Johns Hopkins University International Vaccine Access Center tracker indicate this is the highest number of cases in over 30 years. Vaccination coverage among US kindergarteners has declined, prompting local and state health departments to intensify vaccination efforts. Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000.