Season 13 • Episode 1034

1034 - An Update on Measles and the U.S.'s Elimination Status

Apr 9, 2026

17:01

Global Health Vaccines & Immunization Infectious Disease Public Health

Episode Description

About this episode:

The U.S. is on track to surpass 2025's alarming number of measles cases in 2026. At the same time, the nation's measles elimination status remains under review as health entities use genome sequencing to better understand the state of transmission. In this episode: Infectious disease specialist William Moss explains what's at stake with the verification of the U.S.'s elimination status and why this resurgence of measles is so concerning for immunization writ large.

Guest:

Dr. William Moss, MPH, is an infectious disease specialist and the executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Host:

Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs.

Show links and related content:

US Scientists Sequence 1,000 Genomes From Measles, a Disease Long Eliminated With Vaccines—KFF Health News
The U.S. will likely lose its measles elimination status. Here's what that means—NPR
US builds case to retain measles elimination status as infections mount—Reuters
Tracking Measles Cases in the U.S.—International Vaccine Access Center
There's a Measles Alert in My Area. Now What?—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Transcript information:

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