In an alarming reversal of progress, measles outbreaks are on the rise across the United States, forcing hundreds of unvaccinated students to quarantine as health officials scramble to contain the spread of the highly contagious virus. At least 270 children across multiple states are staying home from school, quarantined for a minimum of 21 days after being exposed to measles. The outbreaks come at a time when childhood vaccination rates are in decline, increasing the vulnerability of communities across the nation.
Measles, once considered eliminated in the U.S., is making a dangerous resurgence in areas with lower vaccination rates. Health experts are warning that this trend could continue if vaccination coverage does not improve, putting not only the affected children at risk but also the broader community, including those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
South Carolina and Minnesota Face Growing Outbreaks
One of the most significant outbreaks is taking place in South Carolina, where a measles case was recently confirmed in Greenville County, triggering the quarantine of 153 unvaccinated children from local schools. The state’s Department of Public Health has identified multiple cases across two schools, including an elementary school and a charter school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist for South Carolina, confirmed that the new case indicated community transmission of the virus. “What this new case tells us is that there is active, unrecognized community transmission of measles occurring,” she said. This means that even children who may not have directly come into contact with the initial cases could still be exposed, making it essential for local health officials to isolate potentially affected individuals.
Children who have not been vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are being excluded from school for the duration of the three-week incubation period, which is the typical time it takes for symptoms to develop after exposure. Health authorities are hopeful that these precautions will help to curb further transmission.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, a smaller but ongoing outbreak has led to the quarantine of 118 students in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. As of early October, 20 measles cases have been confirmed in the state for 2025, and health officials are warning that the situation could worsen if the virus continues to spread unchecked. Like in South Carolina, the quarantined children will continue their education remotely during the three-week period.
Declining Vaccination Rates and the Return of Measles
The increasing number of measles cases is directly tied to a troubling decline in vaccination rates across the United States. For decades, the MMR vaccine has been one of the most effective tools in preventing measles, and the U.S. had officially eliminated the disease by the year 2000. However, in recent years, vaccine hesitancy has led to a rise in unvaccinated children, particularly in certain communities and geographic areas.
A NBC News investigation found significant drops in childhood vaccination rates in more than three-quarters of U.S. counties since 2019. Nationwide, 67% of states do not have enough coverage to ensure herd immunity for measles, which is typically achieved when 95% of the population is vaccinated.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that as of October 7, 2025, there have been 1,563 confirmed measles cases in the country, a dramatic increase from the previous years. The majority of these cases have been linked to domestic outbreaks, not international travel. This indicates that the virus is being transmitted within U.S. borders, fueled by communities with low vaccination rates.
The Consequences of Low Vaccination Rates
The resurgence of measles highlights the dangers of falling vaccination rates and the risks posed to public health. Measles is an incredibly contagious disease. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area. This makes the disease particularly difficult to contain in schools and other settings where large groups of people congregate.
Measles symptoms typically begin with a fever, runny nose, and cough, followed by the appearance of a distinctive rash that starts on the scalp and spreads down the body. The rash is often accompanied by tiny white spots inside the mouth, a hallmark sign of measles infection. In severe cases, the virus can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death.
The virus can be especially dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. While vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, the decline in childhood vaccination rates has left large groups of children unprotected, increasing the potential for outbreaks.
Utah and Arizona See Multistate Outbreaks
In addition to the South Carolina and Minnesota outbreaks, the southwest U.S. is also grappling with the largest multistate measles outbreak of 2025. Health officials have confirmed 103 cases of measles along the Arizona-Utah border, with an additional 14 cases reported in other parts of Utah. School district leaders in these affected areas have sent letters to parents advising them about the outbreak and urging them to keep their children home if they are unvaccinated.
David Heaton, a public information officer for the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, said that it is up to individual families to decide whether to keep their children home from school in response to the outbreak. However, many families are being left to make these decisions without sufficient guidance or support, as funding cuts have reduced the number of health navigators available to assist with vaccination and quarantine procedures.
What Needs to Be Done to Combat the Resurgence of Measles?
As measles outbreaks continue to spread across the U.S., health experts are calling for urgent action to combat the growing threat. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, warned that this situation is likely to continue, with even more frequent outbreaks in the future. “Expect more of the same. This is going to happen more and more frequently,” he said.
To prevent further outbreaks, public health officials are stressing the importance of ensuring that children receive the MMR vaccine. They also urge parents to be vigilant about vaccination schedules and to seek guidance from healthcare providers to ensure their children are fully protected.
The decline in vaccination rates is a problem that requires a multifaceted solution. Public health campaigns, targeted outreach to hesitant communities, and increased access to vaccines are essential to restoring widespread immunity against measles. Additionally, it’s critical that policymakers prioritize funding for vaccination education and healthcare access in underserved areas to ensure that all children have the opportunity to be vaccinated and protected from preventable diseases like measles.
The Future of Measles in the U.S.
If measles outbreaks continue to spread unchecked, the U.S. may soon lose its measles elimination status, which it has held for 25 years. This would be a significant setback for public health, and would likely have far-reaching consequences for the broader healthcare system.
With more outbreaks likely as we head into the winter months, it is clear that the country must take immediate steps to address the underlying causes of declining vaccination rates. The future of measles elimination in the U.S. depends on whether communities and policymakers can work together to protect vulnerable populations and stop the spread of this deadly disease.
