Multiple major news organizations are reporting that measles, declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, has re-established itself to the point that the country risks losing its elimination status.
The New York Times describes the country's measles problem as having reached endemic level, meaning the disease is no longer limited to isolated, imported outbreaks and is circulating persistently. The Washington Post reports that the United States could lose a decades-old public health achievement.
Federal Response
CNN reports that the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said the agency will not change its measles response if the United States loses its elimination status. The statement suggests that federal officials consider current containment efforts to be unaffected by the formal designation.
Background and Contributing Factors
NBC News notes that the United States defeated measles in 2000 and reports that vaccine opposition has brought the disease back. Another report in the same coverage describes measles as forging a deadly trail across the country, underscoring the seriousness of the resurgence.
Significance
Elimination status generally means a disease is no longer continuously spread within a country. Losing it would mark a significant setback for U.S. public health, and health authorities have long said that high vaccination coverage is central to preventing the spread of measles.
This article summarizes headlines and reporting from the outlets named above. Readers should consult the original coverage for complete details, figures, and official statements.
Sources
- America's Measles Problem Has Reached Endemic Level (The New York Times)
- The U.S. could lose a decades-old public health achievement (The Washington Post)
- CDC chief says agency will not change measles response if US loses elimination status (CNN)
- America defeated measles in 2000. Vaccine opposition brought it roaring back. (NBC News)
