As U.S. is poised to lose measles-free status, RFK Jr.'s new CDC deputy downplays its significance
January 21, 2026 / 9:07 PM EST / KFF Health News
TL;DR
- The U.S. may lose its measles-free status due to ongoing outbreaks that have sickened over 2,400 people.
- CDC's Ralph Abraham stated that porous borders and communities choosing to be unvaccinated are factors, framing it as 'the cost of doing business' and 'personal freedom'.
- Infections from abroad accounted for about 10% of cases; the majority were acquired domestically.
- To retain status, the U.S. must prove measles has not circulated continuously for a year.
- CDC scientists are analyzing measles virus genomes to determine if outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah, Arizona, and Texas are linked.
- Pediatrician Paul Offit criticized Abraham's comments as callous, highlighting that three people died of measles last year.
- Vaccination rates have dropped due to loosened school requirements and a record number of vaccine exemptions obtained by kindergartners.
- Concerns are raised about Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s past anti-vaccine stance undermining public confidence.
- Jennifer Nuzzo of Brown University emphasized focusing on stopping outbreaks rather than finding genetic technicalities to retain status.
- The Trump administration's response to the West Texas outbreak was criticized for impeding the CDC's assistance and slowing emergency funds.
- Abraham confirmed HHS would provide $1.5 million to South Carolina for its outbreak response.
- If outbreaks are deemed separate introductions from abroad, political appointees may credit Kennedy; if linked, the administration might downplay the status reversal.
- Abraham stated that losing elimination status would not mean measles would be widespread, despite data showing case counts are the highest since 1991.