Federal health officials have identified a link between two significant measles outbreaks in the United States, with confirmation that the nation could lose its measles elimination status in about two months, according to The New York Times.
The Times acquired a recording of a call where officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) informed state health departments about the connection between the ongoing measles outbreak along the Arizona-Utah border and the earlier outbreak in West Texas, which began in mid- to late-January. Both outbreaks have been traced to the same subtype of the measles virus.
This revelation is noteworthy as it has not been previously reported despite ongoing inquiries from reporters and the apprehensions of health experts. This is particularly concerning following Canada's recent loss of its elimination status. Losing elimination status would mean measles would once again be classified as endemic within the US, representing a regression in public health efforts against a disease preventable by vaccination.
The significant outbreak in Texas, which began in January, concluded on August 18, with a total of 762 confirmed measles cases. The outbreaks in Utah and Arizona commenced with a trickle of cases in June, which escalated in August, bringing the current total to 212 cases.
The linkage of these outbreaks indicates that there has been continuous internal circulation of the virus for approximately 10 months. If the subtype 9171 virus persists and surpasses the 12-month duration by January 2026, the US will lose its measles elimination status. This status, earned after enduring vaccination efforts since 2000, is lost when sustained, year-long transmission is observed again in the country.