US measles cases reach 5,182, the highest annual total since 1991

November 13 update: elimination status under review

International experts convened by the Pan American Health Organization are reviewing whether the United States, Mexico and other countries retain measles elimination status. The review concerns sustained local transmission, not the absence of every imported infection. A final loss of status is not confirmed in the material checked for this update.

Under the regional criteria, uninterrupted spread of the same measles strain for at least 12 months can end elimination status. Experts examine genetic sequencing and epidemiological links, vaccination coverage, surveillance and outbreak responses. Case or death totals alone do not settle the designation.

The commission was scheduled to conclude its meeting on November 13, with an official announcement expected early the following week. Its recommendations and a final decision are separate stages. The case count in the earlier report below is a dated November 7 snapshot, not a newly verified current total.

Earlier report: November 7, 2026

The United States has recorded 5,182 confirmed measles cases so far in 2026, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the highest annual total since 1991. Children and teenagers account for about 59% of cases, and most infections are linked to outbreaks.