South Carolina Measles Outbreak Exceeds Texas 2025 Total
- The United States is facing a resurgence of measles, with outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona raising concerns about a potential loss of elimination status.As of January...
- South Carolina currently has the largest outbreak in the nation, with 789 confirmed cases as of Tuesday, centered in Spartanburg county.
- A notable outbreak is also underway along the Utah-Arizona border, specifically in the towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, collectively known as Short Creek.
Measles Outbreaks surge in the U.S., threatening Elimination Status
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The United States is facing a resurgence of measles, with outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona raising concerns about a potential loss of elimination status.As of January 27,2026,the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 416 measles cases nationwide this year, a figure already representing nearly 20% of the total cases reported in 2025.
South Carolina Outbreak: The Nation’s Largest
South Carolina currently has the largest outbreak in the nation, with 789 confirmed cases as of Tuesday, centered in Spartanburg county. Health officials reported 89 new cases since Friday, indicating the outbreak is not slowing down. This surpasses the 762 cases reported in Texas during all of 2025, though experts believe the Texas count was likely an underestimate.The outbreak has spread to North Carolina and Ohio, and has led to quarantines for hundreds of students across dozens of schools. Source: AP News
Utah and Arizona Border Outbreak
A notable outbreak is also underway along the Utah-Arizona border, specifically in the towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, collectively known as Short Creek. Arizona has documented 222 cases in Mohave County, with recent detections in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties. Utah has confirmed 216 cases, with 55 reported in the last three weeks.Health officials in both states express concern that the actual number of cases may be higher due to underreporting. Source: Stat News
National Context and Vaccination Rates
In 2025,the U.S. experienced its worst year for measles spread since 1991, with 2,255 confirmed cases and nearly 50 outbreaks. Tragically, three deaths occurred, all among unvaccinated individuals, including two children in Texas. Source: AP News The measles virus is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more related cases.
The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC recommends the frist dose between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second between 4 and 6 years old. After two doses, the vaccine is 97% effective, providing lifelong protection. However, vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic, and increasing numbers of parents are claiming exemptions based on religious or personal beliefs, contributing to the increased risk of outbreaks. Source: AP News
A recent statement from a senior CDC official indicated that the loss of measles elimination status in the U.S. would be considered a “cost of doing business.” Source: Stat News
Measles Outbreaks Surge Across the U.S.
The United States is experiencing a resurgence of measles, with outbreaks in multiple states escalating concerns about the nation’s ability to maintain elimination status. As of January 27, 2026, South Carolina’s outbreak has surpassed the 2025 outbreak in Texas, and cases continue to rise in Utah and Arizona.
How Manny Measles Cases Are There in South Carolina?
As of Tuesday, January 23, 2026, South Carolina has confirmed 789 measles cases, centered in Spartanburg County. Health officials reported 89 new cases since Friday, indicating a rapid spread. This outbreak is now the largest in the nation, leading to quarantines for hundreds of children across dozens of schools, with some students quarantined multiple times. The outbreak has also spread to North Carolina and Ohio.
How Many Measles Cases Are There in Utah and Arizona?
An ongoing outbreak is affecting communities along the Utah-Arizona border, specifically in the towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, collectively known as Short Creek. Recent reports indicate concerns about undercounting of cases in both states.Arizona has documented 222 cases in mohave County, with new cases appearing in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties. Utah has confirmed 216 cases, with 55 reported in the last three weeks.
What Do You Need to Know About the MMR Vaccine?
The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.After two doses, the MMR vaccine is 97% effective against measles, providing lifelong protection.
Measles transmission is substantially reduced in communities with high vaccination rates-above 95%-due to herd immunity. However,childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an increasing number of parents are seeking religious or personal exemptions from vaccination requirements.