The CDC warns that measles elimination status in the US is under "renewed threat" based on a surge in cases in early 2024. From 2020 to 2023, the U.S. saw an average of only five measles cases annually in the first quarter, a low count partially attributed to reduced in-person interactions during the Covid pandemic. However, this year, the first-quarter measles cases surged to 97. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, indicating it is not constantly present, but occasional outbreaks still occur. In 2019, the U.S. nearly lost its elimination status due to over 1,200 cases.