Measles Outbreaks Accelerate as U.S. Inches Closer to a Disease Tipping Point

"South Carolina is the epicenter of what state officials call an accelerating measles outbreak. Hundreds of people are in quarantine, and the outbreak has sickened at least 111 individuals, most of whom105were not vaccinated against the disease. The rash of cases is merely the latest in a string of measles outbreaks across the U.S. this year. Each of these outbreaks has brought the country ever closer to losing its measles-free status after more than 25 years."

"As of December 10, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,912 measles cases, most of which were linked to 47 outbreaks of the disease, this year. For comparison, 2024 saw just 16 outbreaks and 285 cases. At least two children have died of measles in the current outbreaks. A growing decline in vaccination rates in communities across the country is driving these grim trends."

"Measles vaccines are generally given as part of the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot, two doses of which are 97 percent effective against the disease. The U.S. effectively eliminated measles in 2000 because enough people got the vaccine to suffocate the virus's spread through the population. As part of that effort, the MMR vaccine is required for children to attend public school throughout the country, but many states offer parents the choice to exempt their child for religious or perso"

Measles outbreaks in 2025 have sickened at least 1,912 people across the United States and are linked to 47 separate outbreaks. South Carolina is a focal point with at least 111 cases and hundreds of people quarantined, and most infected individuals there were unvaccinated. At least two children have died in the current outbreaks. Declining vaccination rates in communities are driving the resurgence. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective. The United States had effectively eliminated measles in 2000, and many states require MMR for public school attendance while allowing exemptions.

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