Canada just lost its measles elimination status. Is the U.S. next?

Measles is making a comeback in the Americas. 

The United States may soon have to return its gold medal status of measles elimination, a ranking bestowed by the World Health Organization that signals the virus is under control and not widely circulating. The status loss would follow a similar loss from the United States’ neighbor to the north, Canada, a reminder that officials have a tenuous grip on a highly contagious virus. 

Countries are considered measles-free if the virus has not continually spread among residents for at least 12 months. People who catch the virus somewhere else and arrive infected are considered imported cases. 

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