Vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella. MMR vaccine in glass ampul. Vials with doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Concept of medicine and healthcare. 3d render.


Measles cases across the U.S. continue to rise, placing the country’s measles-free status in jeopardy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 89 percent of confirmed measles cases (2,006 out of 2,255) were caused by an outbreak. Since 2026, The Hill found 14 states documented measles cases, the majority (338 cases) reported by South Carolina. Of those who contracted measles in 2026, about 94 percent were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status, USA Today shares.

Through the dedicated efforts of the U.S., the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and the World Health Organization (WHO), a global effort was made to reduce measles transmission, resulting in a Global Vaccine Action Plan, KFF notes. The U.S. achieved measles elimination status in 2000, which was reverified in 2011, the CDC affirms. Now, Astho and the Los Angeles Times say if the U.S. is unable to disrupt the continuous transmission of the virus within 12 months, starting with the first recorded case in 2025 in Texas, PAHO will consider removing the status at a meeting set in April.

Measles mitigation is critical as it is an extremely contagious virus, with MSN asserting it can infect nine out of 10 unvaccinated individuals who are exposed. In past reporting, CleanLink suggested specialized cleaning protocols to support infection control—including intensive disinfection of high-touch surfaces and monitoring HEPA filters. Health experts recommend the vaccine, as one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has a 95 percent efficacy rate, Our World With Data shares. Moreover, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that employers educate employees on the MMR vaccine, as well as provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and training to mitigate measles exposure and spread.