CDC’s Commitment to Protecting US Communities from Measles

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on March 9, 2026, that it is reinforcing its national response to measles outbreaks through intensified collaboration with state and local health departments. The agency is specifically working with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the South Carolina Department of Public Health to contain the spread of the virus.

At the request of South Carolina, the CDC has deployed disease detectives from the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) to support on-the-ground response activities. These specialists are tasked with analyzing outbreak data from both South Carolina and North Carolina to identify transmission patterns and strengthen containment strategies.

Strategic Response and Resource Deployment

To support state-level efforts, the CDC is providing a suite of surge resources and technical assistance. This includes the assignment of experienced epidemiologic experts, including one CDC epidemiologist who is already embedded within the South Carolina Department of Public Health.

The agency’s technical support extends to advanced laboratory testing and genomic sequencing, which are used to rapidly identify and track cases. The CDC is implementing outbreak modeling, wastewater testing expansion, and real-time situational assessments to guide the response.

The CDC is also providing direct support for measles case classification and the development of mitigation strategies. To ensure a rapid response, vaccines are being made available upon request, and the agency is offering expert guidance on post-exposure prophylaxis, infection prevention, and control.

Beyond clinical and technical support, the CDC is providing funding for response activities, community outreach materials, comprehensive educational resources, and strategic risk communication support.

Public Health Context and Risks

Measles is a highly contagious, preventable disease that has seen a resurgence both globally and within the United States. Public health data indicates that the virus is so transmissible that if one person is infected, 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected.

The current increase in cases is particularly concerning for communities with lower vaccination rates. This increases the risk of complications, especially for infants and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The CDC is working with state health agencies to address specific factors contributing to these outbreaks, including barriers to vaccine access and vaccine hesitancy.

State-Level Trends and Coordination

While the CDC focuses on national coordination, the impact of the outbreaks varies by region. Recent reports indicate that measles outbreaks have slowed in Arizona and South Carolina, but cases in Utah have increased significantly, surpassing 400.

A central part of the CDC’s strategy involves improving the coordination between local and state health officials to ensure a unified response. This includes providing real-time data analysis to track the virus and assisting with contact tracing efforts.

The agency emphasizes that the most effective way to protect individuals and communities is through vaccination. Public health officials continue to advocate for the rapid identification of cases and the swift implementation of control measures, such as the isolation of infected individuals and the vaccination of those who have been exposed.

• Deployment of Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) detectives for on-the-ground support.
• Use of genomic sequencing and wastewater testing to track transmission.
• Provision of vaccines upon request for rapid response.
• Targeted support for high-risk populations, including infants and the immunocompromised.