Measles on the brink: US elimination status at risk as experts outline next steps

Two authors of a Live Science progress report say the U.S. measles outbreak is threatening to erase decades of elimination, with an upcoming November review likely to determine if elimination status is revoked. They cite seven indicators used to judge elimination, rising outbreaks since 2025, and the likelihood of undercounted cases. They highlight wastewater surveillance as a key tool, and note that vaccination efforts will mainly occur at the state and local levels amid political skepticism toward vaccines. The situation is not unique to the U.S.; other high-income countries have faced similar resurgences.