US loses measles-free status as cases hit 35-year high

The Pan American Health Organisation has stripped the US of its measles elimination status after more than 12 months of continuous transmission. The CDC has recorded 5,412 cases so far this year — the highest in 35 years. Pennsylvania alone has seen 1,500+ cases and six deaths. Experts blame vaccine hesitancy, federal distrust of vaccines, and funding cuts to outbreak response.