The United States could lose measles-elimination status this week
The United States could lose its measles-elimination status as a Pan American Health Organization expert commission reviews the outbreak this week. The status has not yet been formally changed, and the country has reported more than 5,400 cases nationally—its worst measles outbreak since 1991, The Guardian reported.
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The commission is assessing whether measles spread continuously in the country for 12 months. It is meeting Nov. 10-13 and will submit its findings to the PAHO director; Medical Daily reported that a formal announcement could come days after the meeting ends.
CDC Director Erica Schwartz told Reuters that the federal response would not change if the United States loses the status. Medical Daily reported that two doses of the MMR vaccine remain the recommended protection.
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- CNBC — U.S. measles outbreaks can cost millions
- The Guardian — US could lose measles-free status soon as RFK Jr’s pushes anti-vaccine agenda
- BigGo Finance — CDC's Paul Rota says the US will likely lose measles elimination status in November
- Medical Daily — Measles Response Will Stay Unchanged if U.S. Loses Elimination Status, CDC Director Says as PAHO Panel Meets
- JournalArta — U.S. Could Lose Measles-Free Status Soon as Cases Exceed 5,400
- nacionale.com — Has the US lost its measles elimination status? Not officially yet, but a panel is meeting this week