Canada likely to lose measles elimination status, U.S. could be next

(NBC, KYMA) - The United States could lose its measles elimination status in the coming months, behind Canada.

Canada is on track to lose its measles elimination status as an outbreak that began a year ago continues to spread.

Neither the U.S. nor Canada has been able to stop continuous spread of the highly contagious virus within the past year.

As of Tuesday, more than 5,000 cases have been reported in Canada since October 2024.

Canada eliminated measles in 1998. The U.S. followed two years later.

There are multiple criteria for losing an official measles elimination status, including the declines in vaccination rates observed in both countries.

But the most significant factor is having ongoing measles transmission for a full year, and Canada hit that mark this week.

According to the CDC, at least 1,618 measles cases have been reported in the U.S. so far this year.

The ongoing outbreak that threatens the U.S. elimination status began in West Texas in late January.

A World Health Organization group, set to convene in Mexico City next week, is charged with determining whether a country in North, South or Central America has eliminated measles.

It's highly unlikely that the U.S. will lose its elimination status during the upcoming meeting since the outbreak began in January.