Ongoing measles outbreaks are impacting the U.S., raising concerns about the country’s status as a virus-free nation. Recently, officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared updates on the situation.
South Carolina’s outbreak has seen at least 646 cases reported. Comparatively, West Texas recorded around 760 cases last year, marking one of the largest outbreaks seen in decades. According to Dr. Ralph Abraham, the CDC’s Principal Deputy Director, while the outbreaks are concerning, there is no immediate need for alarm. He emphasized that losing the “elimination status” won’t result in widespread measles outbreaks. Vaccination remains the best method to keep measles at bay, he noted.
In 2025, the U.S. recorded 2,242 measles cases, the highest since 1991. This raised questions about whether the Pan American Health Organization might revoke the country’s elimination status in an upcoming meeting. Dr. Abraham, however, expressed that losing this status isn’t a major concern, equating it to the realities of border management and personal freedoms regarding vaccine choices.
A staggering 93% of measles cases in 2023 were linked to unvaccinated individuals, according to CDC data. This year, South Carolina alone is on track to surpass last year’s outbreak. Over 500 people in South Carolina are currently quarantined after being exposed to the virus. Cases have been traced to several schools, including Clemson University.
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a former CDC official, labeled the South Carolina outbreak “very active” and in a “growth phase,” indicating that the situation is far from under control. Most cases have affected unvaccinated children, with only around 2% occurring in fully vaccinated individuals.
Experts are pointing fingers at growing vaccine skepticism. Public health officials, including Hawaii Governor Josh Green, have criticized leaders for eroding trust in vaccines, calling it a form of malpractice. They stressed that measles is preventable and underscored the urgent need to rebuild confidence in vaccinations.
Data also shows a worrying trend: last school year, a record number of kindergartners had exemptions from required vaccinations, with MMR vaccine coverage dropping below the federal goal of 95% for five consecutive years. Governor Green warned that, without a shift in mindset, children could face dire consequences.
Measles is a preventable disease, yet it is making a comeback in the U.S. as vaccination rates decline. As communities navigate these outbreaks, the focus on public health and vaccination education becomes vital.
For more information about measles and vaccination, you can visit the CDC’s official site.
