US measles elimination is effectively lost; revival depends on vaccines and robust surveillance

The CIDRAP Op-Ed argues the US has already lost measles elimination due to ongoing domestic transmission, with 2025 outbreaks totaling hundreds of cases and 2026 on pace to exceed last year’s, accompanied by genomic data showing a single, continuing transmission chain across multiple states. It contends that PAHO/WHO criteria define elimination strictly, and delaying or redefining the status won’t restore it; only interrupting transmission for a full year and rebuilding vaccination coverage and surveillance will. The piece criticizes weakened public health funding and messaging that downplays the situation, urging candid acknowledgement and a renewed, concerted vaccination and surveillance effort to reclaim elimination.