Measles outbreaks that broke out in the United States in 2025 show little sign of slowing and are expected to continue through 2026, according to public health officials who track the spread of the highly contagious virus, according to NBC News.
In South Carolina, health officials have placed 168 people, most of them schoolchildren, in quarantine as the state grapples with a growing outbreak centered in Spartanburg County.
Since September, the state has confirmed 138 cases of measles, almost all among unvaccinated people and those currently exposed may remain in quarantine through the holiday season.
“As we identify new cases, and if those cases have susceptible contacts, that represents a new 21-day quarantine period,” Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina state epidemiologist, said during a recent public press briefing.
Vaccination rates in the affected area remain below threshold, but health officials say stopping outbreaks is paramount.
Spartanburg County’s measles, mumps and rubella vaccination rate for the 2024-25 school year stood at about 90%, well below the 95% level typically cited for community protection.
Bell noted that vaccination rates have been declining for several years, a trend seen nationally and data cited by NBC News shows that in states reporting MMR coverage, about two-thirds of counties are below the 95% threshold.
So far, South Carolina officials say there is no evidence the outbreak has spread to neighboring states, although officials remain vigilant.
Meanwhile, a separate outbreak along the Arizona-Utah border continues to expand. Utah health officials have reported 125 cases, with more than 20 diagnosed in recent weeks, including exposures at schools, doctor’s offices and urgent care facilities.
