Measles Cases Surge in the U.S., Reaching Levels Not Seen in Three Decades

The United States is experiencing a significant resurgence of measles, with cases climbing to levels not observed in over three decades. As of December 30, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 2,065 confirmed cases across 44 jurisdictions, bringing the nation perilously close to the 1992 peak of 2,126 cases. This increase has prompted serious concerns among public health officials and raised questions about the nation’s ability to maintain its measles elimination status.

Widespread Outbreaks and Hospitalizations

The most substantial outbreak currently centers in South Carolina, marking the largest since measles was declared eradicated in the U.S. In the early 2000s. As of January 30, 2026, South Carolina has recorded 789 cases, surpassing a major outbreak in West Texas that peaked at 762 cases in 2025. The South Carolina Department of Public Health has characterized this outbreak as the worst the state has seen in over 30 years, with Spartanburg County as the epicenter. Cases in North Carolina, Washington, and California have also been linked to the South Carolina outbreak. Virginia has reported eight cases in 2026, primarily in Northern Virginia, including at least one adult case potentially linked to international travel.

The impact of these outbreaks extends beyond case numbers. Approximately 11 percent of patients diagnosed with measles require hospitalization, and tragically, three measles-related deaths were confirmed throughout 2025.

Decline in Vaccination Rates Fuels the Rise

The primary driver behind this resurgence is a decline in vaccination coverage and growing public hesitancy towards immunization. Data indicates that approximately 93 percent of measles cases in 2025 occurred in individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine coverage among preschool children has decreased from 95.2 percent to 92.7 percent since the 2019-2020 school year.

Experts emphasize the highly contagious nature of measles. Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior health analyst at Fox News, stated on March 1, 2025, that measles is “the most contagious respiratory virus on Planet Earth,” and that outbreaks are occurring due to low vaccination rates.

Threat to Elimination Status and Global Warnings

The United States achieved measles elimination in 2000, meaning that sustained domestic transmission was halted and new cases primarily originated from international sources. However, the recent surge in cases and widespread outbreaks throughout 2025 have led public health experts to warn that the U.S. Risks losing its elimination status, a situation recently experienced by Canada in November 2025.

In early February 2026, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued a warning to member countries, urging them to increase “routine surveillance and vaccination activities” for measles. Health authorities also caution that measles can spread rapidly between communities, increasing the risk of exposure and infection, particularly for individuals lacking immunity due to lack of vaccination or prior infection. Measles is a highly contagious disease, with one infected person capable of transmitting the virus to numerous susceptible individuals.

CDC Name Change

On October 27, 1992, the CDC’s name was officially changed to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though the acronym “CDC” remains in utilize. This change, enacted by Congress as part of the Preventive Health Amendments of 1992, recognized the agency’s leadership role in disease prevention, injury prevention, and disability prevention.