Record-breaking spread shows no sign of slowing
As measles continues to spread across the United States, health officials warn that the record-setting outbreaks of 2025 are likely to carry into the new year. New clusters of cases, driven largely by falling vaccination rates, are forcing hundreds of families into extended quarantines and straining local public health resources.
South Carolina outbreak intensifies
In South Carolina, 168 people, most of them schoolchildren, are currently in quarantine following confirmed measles exposures. Since September, the state has recorded 138 cases, nearly all among unvaccinated individuals. The outbreak is concentrated in Spartanburg County, where the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination rate for the 2024–25 school year stands at 90%, well below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.
State epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said that each newly identified case can reset quarantine periods for exposed, unvaccinated contacts, meaning some families will remain isolated through the holiday season.
Vaccination rates falling nationwide
The situation in Spartanburg reflects a broader national trend. Data from NBC News shows that in states tracking MMR vaccination rates, 67% of counties and jurisdictions now fall below the 95% benchmark. Bell noted that vaccination coverage has been declining for several years, increasing the risk of sustained transmission.
CDC’s muted role draws concern
Unlike past measles outbreaks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has maintained a relatively low public profile in 2025. Most public messaging and response efforts have been led by state and local health departments. A recent study identified an “emerging health communication void,” noting that CDC measles-related social media posts dropped sharply compared with previous years.
The agency has said it provides updated materials to states and deploys investigation teams only when requested. South Carolina officials have not sought additional federal assistance.
Arizona–Utah cases continue to rise
Another major outbreak spans southwestern Utah and northwestern Arizona. Utah has reported 125 cases, including 21 in the past three weeks, with exposures linked to schools, urgent care clinics and pediatric medical offices. Arizona has confirmed 190 cases, nearly all in Mohave County. In both states, roughly 97% of cases involve unvaccinated individuals.
Nationwide toll nears historic highs
As of mid-December, the United States has recorded 1,958 measles cases in 2025, approaching the 1992 record of 2,216 cases. Forty-nine outbreaks have been documented this year, and 222 people have required hospitalization. Three deaths have been reported, underscoring the serious consequences of declining immunization coverage.