The United States has lost its measles elimination status after an international health organization determined the highly contagious virus has continued spreading domestically for more than a year.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reached the decision following a review by an independent panel of experts, which marks the end of a public health achievement the country maintained since 2000.

The designation means measles is once again considered to be regularly circulating in the United States rather than appearing primarily through isolated outbreaks linked to international travel.

The decision comes amid a sharp increase in infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 5,412 confirmed measles cases so far in 2026, more than double the 2,289 cases reported throughout 2025. This year’s total is the highest since 1991.