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... The Times obtained a recording of a call during which officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed to state health departments that the ongoing measles outbreak at the border of Arizona and Utah is a continuation of the explosive outbreak in West Texas that began in mid- to late-January. That is, the two massive outbreaks are being caused by the same subtype of measles virus.

This is a significant link that hasn't previously been reported despite persistent questions from journalists and concerns from health experts, particularly in light of Canada losing its elimination status last week. The loss of an elimination status means that measles will once again be considered endemic to the US, an embarrassing public health backslide for a vaccine-preventable disease.

The massive outbreak in Texas began in mid- to late-January and was declared over on August 18. In all, there were 762 cases of measles confirmed in the outbreak. Utah and Arizona started seeing some measles cases in June, but those outbreaks appeared to take off in August. To date, Utah and Arizona have reported 212 cases.

The finding that the outbreaks are linked means there's been continuous circulation within the country for about 10 months. If the same measles virus subtype from the outbreaks -- dubbed 9171 -- continues to spread and surpasses the 12-month mark in January 2026, the US will lose its elimination status. The status is earned by going 12 months without continuous circulation and is lost when yearlong circulation resumes. The US obtained its elimination status in 2000 after grueling, decades-long vaccination campaigns. ...