The South Carolina measles outbreak has surged past the number of cases reported during Texas’ 2025 outbreak, with nearly 600 new cases recorded in just over a month. The outbreak, centered in northwestern Spartanburg County, shows no signs of slowing down, with health officials confirming a total of 789 cases since September. This surpasses the 762 cases reported in Texas last year, although experts believe that number may have been undercounted.
Another significant outbreak is ongoing on the Utah-Arizona border, putting the United States’ measles elimination status at risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 416 measles cases nationwide so far this year, accounting for nearly 20% of the total cases in 2025. Other states with confirmed cases in 2026 include California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious airborne virus that spreads through respiratory droplets. The best prevention method is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The disease initially presents with symptoms like fever, runny nose, cough, and a rash, but can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death.
South Carolina has reported 789 cases of measles, with 89 new cases confirmed since Friday. The outbreak has become the worst in the nation, leading to the quarantine of hundreds of children across multiple schools due to measles exposures. The outbreak has also spread to North Carolina and Ohio.
In Utah and Arizona, health officials are still grappling with an outbreak in Short Creek, the border towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona. Arizona has documented 222 cases in Mohave County, with additional cases in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties. Utah has confirmed 216 cases, with 55 new cases in the past three weeks.
Vaccination is crucial in preventing measles, with the MMR vaccine recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old, and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective against measles, providing lifelong protection. However, vaccination rates have declined nationwide, with more parents seeking waivers for their children based on religious or personal beliefs.
The impact of these outbreaks underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles and protecting public health.
