Measles Outbreaks Across Five States Signal Waning Immunity
New measles clusters in Utah, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, and South Carolina have public health officials sounding the alarm. After years of relative stability, the highly contagious virus is reappearing in multiple pockets around the United States as vaccination rates decline. Experts warn that this pattern risks eroding the U.S. status of measles elimination, a goal achieved more than two decades ago and now challenged by changing attitudes toward vaccines.
Where cases are rising—and what it means
Utah recently reported six new measles cases, bringing its yearly total to 55. Minnesota added two more infections for a total of 20, while Michigan’s count rose to 28 with a new case. Central Ohio identified four new cases, and South Carolina confirmed its 11th case of 2025, eight of which occurred since September. Epidemiologists note these figures may understate the transmission happening in communities with limited testing or delayed reporting.
Implications for schools and families
Public health data show large numbers of students facing quarantine after exposure. In South Carolina, more than 150 unvaccinated students were quarantined for 21 days. In the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, 118 students were placed under quarantine as health officials traced exposures. The consequences extend beyond individual illness: quarantines disrupt learning, affect families’ plans, and strain local health resources during an already demanding season.
Why outbreaks are rearing up now
The reemergence of measles is linked to declining vaccination coverage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while MMR vaccination remains highly effective, overall vaccination rates have slipped. Kaiser Family Foundation data show 92.5 percent of kindergartners received MMR in the 2024–2025 school year, down from 95 percent in 2019–2020. Scientists say a 95 percent threshold is typically needed to prevent sustained community transmission.
What “eradication” means in practice
Measles was officially declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, meaning no ongoing nationwide transmission. However, experts warn that elimination requires sustained interruption of transmission for 12 months. Some researchers, such as those publishing in JAMA, caution that continued transmission at current rates could jeopardize elimination status within a couple of decades unless vaccination and public health infrastructure are reinforced.
What can be done to reverse the trend
Public health officials advocate a combination of renewed vaccination efforts, accessible clinics, and effective risk communication. The MMR vaccine is the best defense: two doses are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles. Health educators emphasize that vaccination protects not only the individual but also vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
For parents deciding about vaccination, credible, evidence-based information is critical. Medical experts warn that measles can be severe: hospitalization is more likely among unvaccinated children, and a small but real risk exists for complications such as encephalitis or hearing loss. Vaccination remains the safest and most reliable path to protecting families and communities.
Bottom line
As measles cases rise again in several states, the central message from epidemiologists is clear: high vaccination coverage is essential to keeping measles out of schools and daily life. With roughly one in four infections occurring in individuals aged 5 to 19, and a sizeable share among younger children, maintaining strong vaccine uptake is crucial to restoring and preserving the country’s elimination status.
