Measles outbreaks surge in the Southwest and on the East Coast
Health officials say measles is climbing again in several states. In the Utah‑Arizona border region, the virus has multiplied since August, and in South Carolina an outbreak has spread rapidly, forcing hundreds of people—many of them students—to stay away from school or work.
South Carolina crisis
Between Friday and Tuesday, authorities in northwestern Spartanburg County logged 27 fresh cases. Those figures bring the county’s total to 111 over the past two months. More than 250 individuals, including pupils from nine local elementary, middle and high schools, are now in quarantine—some already under isolation twice because the outbreak began in October. Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell praised the cooperation of the Way of Truth Church in Inman, where most new cases appeared, and described the group’s response as “very helpful.”
“We anticipate sustained community transmission for many more weeks, at least for now,” Bell said.
Border spread
In Arizona, Mohave County now has 172 documented infections, while Southwest Utah’s public health department reports 82 cases. The hard‑hit towns of Colorado City, Arizona and Hildale, Utah sit right on the border and have seen the heaviest activity. Across the state line, Utah has recorded 115 measles cases this year and Arizona 176.
Nationally, cases are nearing 2,000—a figure that makes the United States the first country in the world to see a measles outbreak again after it was declared eliminated in 2000 thanks to routine childhood vaccinations.
Global implications
Last month, Canada lost its “elimination” status, a designation granted only when a disease does not spread locally over time. The broader American Health Region faced a similar loss. Experts warn that the U.S. could face this outcome as well; to qualify, the virus would need to spread continuously for an entire year. In Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, an outbreak that began in January infected almost 900 people and triggered the worst measles year the country has seen in more than 30 years.
Broader picture
Today, only eight states have not reported a measles case, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency has confirmed 47 outbreaks this year, up from 16 in 2024. Tragically, three people—two of them Texas schoolchildren—have died.
Vaccination still key
The measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR) vaccine remains safe and highly effective, offering 97 % protection after the recommended two doses. Most U.S. children are required to receive it to attend public schools. Yet vaccination rates have slipped, as more parents opt out or miss doses.
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