By Harshit | October 11, 2025 | United States | 1:00 AM EDT
Record Measles Cases Hit the U.S.
While a deadly measles outbreak in Texas ended in August, new outbreaks in other parts of the United States continue to drive the national total to record levels. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 27 new measles cases are reported each week since the end of August, bringing the total to 1,563 confirmed cases in 2025—the highest since the disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. 25 years ago.
New outbreaks have been reported in Ohio, a surge in Minnesota, and a quarantine of over 150 unvaccinated schoolchildren in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Along the Arizona-Utah border, a third large outbreak this year has emerged, with at least 59 cases in Arizona and 36 in Utah.
Experts Warn of Vaccine Gaps
Dr. Leisha Nolen, Utah’s state epidemiologist, said the outbreak is still expanding. “I think we are starting to see people get infected even at the very north end of our state,” she said. “We’re in the middle of it, and infections will likely continue to spread in different communities.”
Public health officials point to declining vaccination rates as the primary driver. “Multiple cases occur only because there are susceptible individuals,” said Dr. Scott Harris, president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. CDC data from Texas shows 97% of measles cases occurred among unvaccinated individuals.
Vaccine Hesitancy and Coverage Trends
A record share of U.S. kindergartners claimed exemptions for required vaccinations last school year, and coverage for all vaccines, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), continues to decline. MMR coverage has dropped to 92.5%, below the 95% threshold public health experts say is needed to prevent outbreaks.
“In areas with low vaccination rates, we work closely with local health departments to inform families and encourage vaccination,” Nolen said, noting that awareness of ongoing outbreaks has slightly increased vaccination uptake in some regions.
South Carolina Outbreak
In Spartanburg County, South Carolina, over 150 unvaccinated children are under quarantine after exposure at a public elementary school and a charter school. “Those students are identified as having been exposed and not vaccinated, which is why they are being excluded,” said Dr. Linda Bell, the state’s epidemiologist.
With 11 confirmed cases in the state this year, including seven linked to the recent Spartanburg outbreak, public health officials are closely monitoring at-risk students for symptoms. Unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles face a 90% chance of infection, according to Bell.
Public Health Implications
Experts warn that continued measles spread underscores the dangers of vaccine hesitancy and the importance of maintaining high MMR coverage. Large outbreaks highlight the need for swift public health interventions, particularly in communities with declining vaccination rates.
“As long as there are pockets of unvaccinated individuals, measles outbreaks will continue to occur,” Harris said. “Parents’ skepticism about vaccination is fueling these preventable outbreaks.”
