US Faces Largest Measles Outbreak in Over 30 Years Amid Falling Vaccination Rates

The United States is confronting its most severe measles outbreak in over three decades, with nearly 2,000 confirmed cases reported across 43 states as of December 2025. This alarming resurgence is attributed to declining vaccination rates and poses a significant threat to public health nationwide.

The current measles outbreak has led to widespread quarantines, particularly in South Carolina, Arizona, and Utah, and has resulted in three fatalities. Health officials warn that the nation risks losing its measles elimination status, a designation held since 2000, due to sustained transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 96% of cases involve individuals who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status, underscoring the critical need for increased immunization efforts.

As of December 9, 2025, the CDC has reported 1,912 confirmed measles cases across 43 jurisdictions, marking the highest annual case count since 1992. South Carolina has been notably impacted, with 111 confirmed cases primarily in Spartanburg County. The outbreak has led to the quarantine of over 250 individuals, including schoolchildren. A significant number of these cases are linked to exposures at the Way of Truth Church in Inman.

Arizona and Utah have also reported significant outbreaks, with 172 and 115 cases respectively. The hardest-hit areas include Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah.

The resurgence of measles is largely attributed to declining vaccination rates. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that 78% of U.S. counties reported declines in measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates from 2019 through 2024. The study warned that measles is likely to return to endemic levels in the U.S. if MMR vaccination rates continue to decline.

Health experts strongly recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine as the most effective protection against the disease. The CDC emphasizes that when over 95% of a community is vaccinated, the majority of individuals benefit from community immunity.

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, meaning there was no continuous transmission for over a year. However, the current outbreak threatens this status due to sustained transmission. The last time the U.S. experienced a comparable number of cases was over 30 years ago.

The outbreak has significant social implications, including increased strain on healthcare systems, educational disruptions due to quarantines and school closures, and challenges in addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation within communities.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through the air via coughing or breathing. Symptoms typically appear within 7 to 14 days of infection and can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.

Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina's state epidemiologist, expressed concern over the outbreak's acceleration, stating, "Accelerating is an accurate term. That is a spike in cases we are concerned about."

The outbreak has prompted discussions on vaccination policies, including debates on enforcing stricter vaccination requirements for school attendance and calls for increased funding to support vaccination programs and public health infrastructure.

The current outbreak surpasses previous records, with 1,912 cases reported in 2025 compared to 1,277 cases in 2019. The resurgence underscores the impact of declining vaccination rates and the importance of maintaining high immunization coverage.

The 2025 measles outbreak in the United States serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and the challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including public education, policy enforcement, and community engagement.