The United States is dangerously close to losing its measles elimination status, a milestone achieved 25 years ago. A recent surge of 20 new cases reported in South Carolina since Friday brings the state’s total to 179 for the year—a number exceeding the entire nation’s case count in six of the last ten years.
Measles Cases Rise, Threatening U.S. Elimination Status
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A sharp increase in measles infections, fueled by declining vaccination rates, puts the nation on the brink of a public health setback.
- Over 2,000 measles cases have been recorded in the U.S. this year, the highest total in a quarter-century.
- 93% of these cases involve individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
- Transmission has been continuous since around January 20, threatening the U.S.’s elimination status.
- Declining vaccination rates and the spread of misinformation are major contributing factors.
What’s driving the measles resurgence? Declining childhood vaccination rates, coupled with a rise in vaccine exemptions, are the primary culprits. Less than 93% of kindergartners received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for the 2024-25 school year, down from 95% in 2019-2020. A 95% vaccination rate is crucial to prevent widespread transmission.
South Carolina at the Epicenter
Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina’s state epidemiologist, stated at a press briefing on Tuesday that measles transmission is actively occurring in households, schools, and churches. Currently, 287 people are under quarantine to limit further spread. “We do anticipate more cases well into January,” she added.
The outbreak in South Carolina is largely concentrated in Spartanburg County, in the northwestern part of the state, accounting for all but three of the state’s cases this year. Health officials believe the recent holiday season contributed to the spread through family gatherings and travel.
Nationwide Concerns and Recent Deaths
Beyond South Carolina, measles cases are also being reported in Arizona and Utah, stemming from an outbreak that began in late summer. Washoe County, Nevada, recorded its first case since 2018 just last week. Potential exposures have also been identified at Newark Liberty International Airport, Boston Logan Airport, and Denver International Airport.
A significant outbreak in West Texas, with approximately 760 cases recorded between January and August, has also contributed substantially to the national total. Gaines County, where only 77% of kindergartners were vaccinated as of the 2024-25 school year, was the epicenter. Some families in the area reportedly opted for unproven remedies like vitamins and cod-liver oil instead of vaccination.
Tragically, the year has already seen three measles-related deaths: two unvaccinated school-age children in Lubbock, Texas, and an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico who did not seek medical care. Prior to this year, the U.S. had not reported a measles death in roughly a decade.
Federal Messaging and Vaccine Hesitancy
Public health experts have voiced concerns regarding federal messaging on vaccines since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assumed the role of Health and Human Services Secretary in February. While Kennedy has encouraged people to receive the MMR shot, he has also characterized vaccination as a personal choice, promoted unproven treatments like steroids and antibiotics, and falsely claimed that immunity from measles vaccines diminishes rapidly.
Measles symptoms include a blotchy rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, pink or watery eyes, and white spots inside the cheeks. Severe complications can include pneumonia and brain swelling. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. Without immunity from vaccination or prior infection, approximately 9 in 10 exposed individuals will contract the disease.
State and county health departments continue to emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective and typically provide lifelong protection.
