The CDC confirms six measles-related deaths in 2026 as the US nears loss of its global elimination status. The Pan American Health Organization held an assessment meeting the week of November 10, 2026 to determine if measles has spread continuously for a year. The 2026 outbreak, the worst in over 30 years, has sickened thousands, with cases surging in unvaccinated communities.
US measles elimination status
- ▪CDC Director Erica Schwartz said the US 'may or may not lose' measles elimination status following the Pan American Health Organization assessment
- ▪The US is on the verge of losing its global measles elimination status as of November 2026
- ▪The Pan American Health Organization held a scientific meeting during the week of November 10, 2026 to assess whether measles has spread continuously in the US for a year
Measles outbreak severity
- ▪The 2026 US measles outbreak is the worst in more than 30 years
- ▪Thousands of people have been sickened by measles in the US in 2026
- ▪Eight people died of measles-related illnesses in the US in 2026
Trump vaccine safety doubts
- ▪President Donald Trump raised unfounded doubts about the MMR vaccine's safety by calling the combined measles, mumps and rubella shot possibly 'quite lethal.'
- ▪President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for the measles, mumps and rubella shots to be split up
CDC response efforts
- ▪CDC Director Erica Schwartz was confirmed to lead the CDC in August 2026
- ▪CDC Director Erica Schwartz spoke at the Milken Institute Future of Health Summit in Washington on November 12, 2026
- ▪CDC Director Erica Schwartz said she is looking forward to working with congressional Democrats on modernizing the CDC when Democrats take power in 2027
- ▪CDC Director Erica Schwartz said the CDC is sending resources to states, promoting the MMR vaccine, and educating medical providers about how to identify and prevent the spread of measles in communities that do not vaccinate
Kennedy leadership defense
- ▪CDC Director Erica Schwartz defended Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership, describing his management style as 'inclusive.'
- ▪Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously led a prominent anti-vaccine group
- ▪Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was scheduled to speak at the Milken Institute Future of Health Summit in Washington on November 13, 2026
- ▪CDC Director Erica Schwartz said both she and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. back the MMR vaccine as the best way to prevent measles
- ▪Two Democratic senators announced on November 12, 2026 that they are opening an investigation into Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s statements about a measles outbreak in Samoa
Vaccine advisory panel delays
- ▪CDC Director Erica Schwartz said the CDC is seeking new members for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and is gauging whether current members want to stay
- ▪Vaccine policy recommendations, including on the childhood vaccine schedule, will go to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices once the panel is operational
- ▪The Trump administration missed a deadline to produce vaccine policy recommendations under an August 2026 executive order on splitting up MMR shots
- ▪The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has been on hold due to a court ruling as of November 2026
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