Senior CDC official: Loss of measles elimination status in U.S. would be ‘cost of doing business’ - Takeaways - DentalSpire

Senior CDC official: Loss of measles elimination status in U.S. would be ‘cost of doing business’

  • By

  • Helen Branswell

  • January 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    The U.S. has seen unprecedented measles transmission levels, prompting CDC officials to downplay the loss of elimination status.

  • 2

    Loss of measles elimination status occurs when ongoing transmission continues for a year after an introduction, not merely from imported cases.

  • 3

    CDC aims to support communities with low vaccination rates while promoting the MMR vaccine as an effective measles prevention method.

  • 4

    As of January 14, 2025, the U.S. reported 2,242 confirmed measles cases, the highest since 1991, with 336 cases already in 2026.

  • 5

    The CDC is analyzing whole genome sequences of measles viruses to determine if recent cases indicate ongoing transmission or new introductions.

Original Source(s)

Senior CDC official: Loss of measles elimination status in U.S. would be ‘cost of doing business’

  • by Helen Branswell

  • January 20, 2026

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