# US measles elimination status at risk as cases exceed 5,400

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/us-could-lose-measles-free-status-soon-as-rfk-jrs-pushes-anti-vaccine-agenda/
- Published: 2026-11-11T13:00:49+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T13:29:17+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/nov/11/measles-status-rfk-jr-anti-vaccine-agenda
- Topics: Americas, Health, Medicine, Politics, World

## Key points

- The US has more than 5,400 measles cases.
- A PAHO panel is reviewing the country’s elimination status.
- Cleveland warns exposed people may need proof of vaccination.

## Summary

The United States may lose its measles elimination status this week, as a regional health panel reviews evidence that the virus is spreading again. The country is experiencing its worst outbreak since 1991, and critics say reduced vaccination coverage under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has helped measles regain a foothold.

The US has recorded more than 5,400 cases, with outbreaks in nearly every state and deaths reported in several states. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective; measles kills one to three people per 1,000 infected and hospitalises about one in five unvaccinated people who catch it. Losing the formal designation could have practical consequences: Cleveland officials are urging people to find vaccination records, as those without proof of immunity may need a blood test or face 21 days in quarantine after exposure.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.