The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years. This spike in cases is alarming, especially as we were able to declare measles eliminated in 2000 due to widespread vaccination.
As of mid-December 2025, the CDC confirmed almost 2,000 measles cases across the country, marking a 571 percent increase from the previous year. Most cases are happening in areas where vaccination rates have dropped. If measles becomes common in the U.S. again, it would be a significant public health failure.
South Carolina is currently seeing a worrisome surge in cases. By December 12, the state had reported 126 cases, primarily in Spartanburg County. Reports suggest that this area, which largely supported Donald Trump in the last election, reflects the influence of vaccine hesitancy woven into its social fabric.
After the Thanksgiving holidays, new cases surged. State epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell noted the rapid spread and heightened concern over community transmission. A single location, the Way of Truth Church in Inman, contributed to 16 new cases in one week. As a response, authorities quarantined at least 254 people and isolated several others.
The root cause of these outbreaks is declining vaccination rates. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) coverage among students fell from 96 percent in 2020 to just 93.5 percent in 2024. Unvaccinated individuals make up a staggering 95 percent of reported cases. Particularly concerning is that 60 percent of cases involve children aged 5 to 17, emphasizing how critical schools are in this crisis.
The challenges are compounded by a strong anti-vaccine sentiment. Mobile clinics are struggling to vaccinate people, highlighting deep-rooted hesitancy fueled by misinformation and distrust in public health.
This South Carolina outbreak is just one part of a national concern. Earlier in 2025, West Texas had a massive outbreak with over 800 cases, leading to additional incidents along the Arizona-Utah border. The U.S. now faces a crucial deadline: by January 20, 2026, it must demonstrate that recent outbreaks were due to unrelated cases, not continuous transmission. Epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm warns, “the house is already on fire.”
The situation is not limited to the U.S. Canada lost its measles elimination status in November 2025 after reporting over 5,000 cases, primarily in communities with low vaccination rates. Across the hemisphere, the Americas collectively reported nearly 12,600 cases.
The return of measles poses severe consequences. We have already seen three deaths in the U.S. this year from measles, including two school-aged children and one adult. The virus also places an enormous strain on hospitals, as it requires specialized isolation for treatment and can lead to severe complications.
Declining vaccination rates stem from chronic public health underfunding and a political environment that often undermines scientific guidance. The national MMR coverage among kindergarteners is now at 92.5 percent, with vaccine exemptions reaching an alarming record of 3.6 percent.
This crisis isn’t just about health; it reflects a deeper political struggle. Recent changes in vaccination policy suggest a shift toward normalizing preventable diseases. Voices that previously downplayed the risks of infectious diseases are gaining influence, indicating a possible regression in public health policy.
Measles is preventable. Vaccines developed in the 1960s have saved countless lives. As we see these outbreaks, it’s clear that we must reverse the trends that have led to them. The focus should be on rebuilding trust in public health and fighting against the misinformation that fuels vaccine hesitancy.
The warning signs are clear: without a change, we risk letting more diseases take root once again. Public health must be prioritized above political agendas to ensure the safety and well-being of future generations.
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measles outbreak, vaccine hesitancy, public health collapse, ACIP, RFK Jr, anti-vaccine movement, fascism
