Measles Outbreaks and Vaccination Policies in the US

Reference TimelineLast updated
SUMMARY

South Carolina leads the nation with 670 reported measles cases as of July 16, 2026, contributing to a national resurgence that has surpassed previous years' totals. As of July 16, 2026, the U.S. has recorded 2,231 confirmed measles cases, with 140 hospitalizations nationwide, and 93% of this year's cases are linked to unvaccinated individuals. The state saw a 72% rise in MMR vaccinations in January 2026, with over 16,800 doses administered, following a major Upstate outbreak that concluded in April 2026 with 997 cases. The CDC is formally reviewing the U.S. measles elimination status in November 2026.

Timeline

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July 2026 — 2 developments

  1. South Carolina Leads Nation in Measles Cases Amid Resurgence

    South Carolina leads the nation with 670 reported measles cases as of July 16, 2026, contributing to a national resurgence that has surpassed previous years' totals. The state has seen a significant increase in MMR vaccinations, with over 16,800 doses administered in January 2026, a 72% rise from the previous year. This follows a major Upstate outbreak that concluded in April 2026 with 997 cases, primarily among unvaccinated individuals.

  2. US Measles Cases Reach 2,231 in 2026, With 93% Linked to Unvaccinated Individuals

    As of July 9, 2026, the U.S. has recorded 2,231 confirmed measles cases, with South Carolina reporting 670 cases and Utah 516. Nationwide, 140 hospitalizations have occurred, and 93% of this year's cases are linked to unvaccinated individuals.

June 2026 — 10 developments

  1. US Measles Cases Reach 2,134; Elimination Status Threatened

    As of June 25, 2026, the U.S. has reported 2,134 confirmed measles cases across 41 jurisdictions, with officials concerned that sustained national outbreak activity could jeopardize the U.S. measles elimination status. South Carolina leads the nation with 670 cases this year, though its large Upstate outbreak has concluded. The CDC is formally reviewing the elimination status in November.

  3. US measles cases reach 2,104 by June 18, 2026; SC rates decline

    As of June 18, 2026, the U.S. has reported 2,104 confirmed measles cases for the year, with South Carolina having the most at 670. A separate measles case in Saluda County in late April 2026 required 41 people to quarantine. South Carolina's kindergarten vaccination rates have decreased to 92.1% from 95% in 2019-2020.

  4. South Carolina Measles Cases Rise to 558 in Upstate Region

    As of June 17, 2026, the Upstate region of South Carolina has reported 124 new measles cases, increasing the total outbreak count to 558. This follows a confirmed case in an adult Beaufort County resident on June 11, 2026, who presented to a provider on June 6. Measles is highly contagious and swift action is necessary to prevent spread.

  5. US Measles Cases Top 2,000; South Carolina Outbreak Declared Over

    As of June 11, 2026, the CDC reported 2,073 confirmed measles cases in 40 U.S. jurisdictions, with 1,929 of those cases being outbreak-associated. The CDC also reported that the measles outbreak in South Carolina is now over, though the state had 670 measles cases for the year. A new measles case was confirmed in Beaufort County, South Carolina, on June 11, 2026.

  6. South Carolina confirms new adult measles case in Beaufort County

    The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control confirmed a new measles case in an adult Beaufort County resident on June 11, 2026. The individual's vaccination status is unconfirmed, and there is no known connection to a previous case reported earlier in June. Potential public exposure sites and times have been identified, and individuals who may have been exposed are advised to monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days.

  7. New Measles Case in South Carolina; National Cases Exceed 2,000

    A new measles case has been confirmed in Beaufort County, South Carolina, with potential exposure sites including a Publix, Beaufort High School graduation, and the Dataw Island Community Center pool/gym between June 1 and June 5, 2026. This case is separate from a prior one in Hampton County on June 3. Nationally, measles cases have surpassed 2,000 by early June 2026.

  8. US Measles Cases Exceed 2,000 for Second Year, 92% Unvaccinated

    The United States has recorded 2,030 confirmed measles cases across 39 states as of June 5, 2026. This marks the second consecutive year with over 2,000 cases nationwide. Approximately 92% of these cases are among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.

  9. South Carolina confirms new measles case in adult in Hampton County

    The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a new measles case in an adult in Hampton County on June 3, 2026, who had recently traveled internationally. Eight potentially exposed individuals have been notified and advised to quarantine through June 21. Acting DPH Director Dr. Brannon Traxler emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective prevention method against measles.

  10. US Measles Cases Near 2,000 in 2026; CDC Issues New Prevention Guidance

    The U.S. has reported 1,983 measles cases as of May 29, 2026, approaching last year's total, with 92% of cases involving unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals. The CDC has released updated guidance for measles prevention and control, emphasizing the need for increased vaccination rates.

May 2026 — 3 developments

  1. US Measles Cases Hit Two-Decade High; South Carolina Outbreak Declared Over

    As of April 28, 2026, the United States has confirmed 1,814 measles cases nationwide, the highest in two decades. The South Carolina outbreak, which began in October 2025, was officially declared over on April 28, 2026, after reporting 997 cases and 21 hospitalizations.

  2. US Measles Cases Surge, South Carolina Leads Nation with 669 Reported

    As of May 8, 2026, South Carolina leads the nation with 669 reported measles cases, contributing to a nationwide total of 1,842 confirmed cases in 2026. Data indicates that 92% of individuals who contracted measles in 2026 were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.

  3. South Carolina measles outbreak ends; new unrelated case reported

    South Carolina health officials declared the end of a significant measles outbreak, which began in October 2025 and resulted in 997 cases, as of April 26, 2026. Health officials reported a second, unrelated measles case in Saluda County on May 4, 2026, linked to international travel, with 39 individuals currently in quarantine.

April 2026 — 5 developments

  1. South Carolina Declares End to Measles Outbreak After Six Months

    South Carolina health officials have declared an end to the state's measles outbreak, which infected 997 people over six months. The outbreak resulted in 21 hospitalizations and cost an estimated $2.1 million. Health officials attribute the outbreak's end to community cooperation, increased vaccinations, and a significant rise in MM...

  2. South Carolina proposes bill to end religious exemptions for measles vaccinations amid outbreak

    A South Carolina senator has proposed a bill to eliminate religious exemptions for measles vaccinations in schools and childcare facilities. This legislative action comes as the state's largest measles outbreak since 2000, with 997 cases reported as of April 21, 2026, is nearing its potential end on April 26, 2026, following two weeks without new infections.

  3. South Carolina Measles Outbreak Nearing End, No New Cases Since April 18

    South Carolina health officials reported no new measles cases since April 18, 2026, with the Upstate outbreak total remaining at 997. If no additional cases are reported, the outbreak could officially conclude on April 26, 2026.

  4. South Carolina Department of Public Health reports new measles case in Saluda County adult, bringing state total to 1,001

    The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported a new measles case on April 17, 2026, in an adult Saluda County resident who contracted the illness through international travel. This case is separate from the Upstate outbreak, bringing the state's total to 1,001 cases since July 2025.

  5. Utah becomes national measles hotspot; South Carolina outbreak expected to end April 26, 2026

    Utah has emerged as the national hotspot for measles cases, while South Carolina's outbreak, with 997 cases and no new reports since March 17, is anticipated to officially end on April 26, 2026, if no further cases emerge.

March 2026 — 13 developments

  1. South Carolina reports first week without new measles cases since outbreak began

    South Carolina reported no new measles cases between March 21 and March 24, 2026, marking the first full week without new infections in months. Two individuals remain in quarantine until March 28, and the outbreak could be declared over by April 26 if no further cases emerge.

  2. South Carolina declares Upstate measles outbreak over after 997 cases

    The measles outbreak in South Carolina's Upstate region, which began in October 2025, has been declared over as of March 20, 2026, after 42 days without new cases. The outbreak resulted in 997 reported cases, with the majority (932) occurring in unvaccinated individuals, and significantly impacted children and teens. Nationally, the CDC reported 1,487 confirmed measles cases as of March 19, 2026.

  3. South Carolina measles outbreak nears containment with 997 cases; Spartanburg County sees 162% vaccine surge

    The measles outbreak in South Carolina is nearing containment with only one new case reported recently, bringing the total to 997. Vaccination rates have significantly increased, with Spartanburg County seeing a 162% surge in MMR vaccinations in January 2026. Nationally, the US has reported 1,362 measles cases since January 1, 2026.

  4. South Carolina reports 996 measles cases, 934 in Spartanburg County

    As of March 13, 2026, South Carolina has reported 996 measles cases, with 934 cases concentrated in Spartanburg County. Three new cases were identified on this date, bringing the total to 996. Currently, 30 people are in quarantine and four are in isolation, with 930 of the infected individuals being unvaccinated.

  5. State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell warns against complacency as measles spread slows before spring break

    State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell stated on March 12, 2026, that the slowing spread of measles should not lead to complacency, particularly with spring break approaching. While case numbers have slowed, health officials remain concerned about a potential surge due to increased travel during school breaks. The CDC continues to deploy "disease detectives" to aid in containment strategies.

  6. South Carolina Department of Public Health Reports Two New Measles Cases

    The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported two new measles cases since Friday, increasing the total to 993 as of March 10, 2026. Currently, 42 people are in quarantine and two are in isolation, with the latest quarantine period expected to end on April 2.

  7. South Carolina Department of Public Health reports 991 measles cases in outbreak

    The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported one new measles case, bringing the outbreak total to 991 as of March 6, 2026. Of these cases, 925 are unvaccinated, 26 are fully vaccinated, 19 are partially vaccinated, and the vaccination status of 21 is unknown. Nationwide, 1,277 confirmed measles cases have been reported in 2026, with 1,281 total cases reported by 31 jurisdictions as of March 5, 2026.

  8. CDC deploys officers to South Carolina to assist with measles data analysis

    The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported one new measles case, bringing the total to 991. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is deploying three officers to assist with data analysis, expected the week of March 9. February saw a significant increase in vaccinations, with over 17,300 doses administered statewide, a 70% rise compared to February 2025.

  9. CDC deploys staff to South Carolina to combat measles outbreak amid vaccine mandate debate

    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is deploying staff to South Carolina to assist in containing the state's measles outbreak, which has reached 990 cases as of March 3. Concurrently, the South Carolina Senate has advanced a bill that would prohibit vaccine mandates for children under two years old, despite existing optional vaccine policies. Health officials noted a 70% increase in vaccinations in February, potentially contributing to a slowdown in infections.

  10. South Carolina spends $1.6 million on measles outbreak response, reaching 990 cases

    South Carolina has spent an estimated $1.6 million on public health efforts to combat its measles outbreak, which has reached 990 cases. The majority of the cost is attributed to personnel dedicated to investigating cases and tracing contacts. Funding for these efforts is sourced from the CDC and other state and federal entities.

  11. South Carolina Officials Report 5 New Measles Cases, Identify New Exposure Site

    South Carolina health officials reported five new measles cases as of March 3, 2026, bringing the total to 990. A new public exposure site was identified at Westgate Baptist Church in Spartanburg on February 22. Officials continue to emphasize vaccination as the most effective prevention method.

  12. Placer County officials report three measles cases linked to South Carolina outbreak

    Public health officials in Placer County, California, reported three confirmed measles cases believed to be linked to the South Carolina outbreak. These cases are connected to one family, with officials suspecting a fourth member may also be infected. The Placer County cases are thought to have resulted from exposure to an extended family member who recently traveled to South Carolina.

  13. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. groups campaign to end child immunization requirements amid measles outbreak

    As South Carolina grapples with a measles outbreak, groups associated with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are actively campaigning to eliminate immunization requirements for children. Health advocates warn that weakening vaccine mandates could lead to lower vaccination rates and increased illness. The CDC notes that measles is still prevalent globally and vaccination remains crucial.

February 2026 — 9 developments

  1. South Carolina Department of Public Health reports 6 new measles cases, total now 985

    The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported six new measles cases since Tuesday, bringing the total to 985. Public exposures have been identified at Sugar Ridge Elementary and a Costco on Blackstock Rd. in Spartanburg. Nationwide, 1,136 confirmed measles cases have been reported to the CDC since January 1.

  2. SC State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell expresses concern over measles outbreak despite downward trend

    South Carolina's State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell stated that the measles outbreak, totaling 979 cases as of February 25, 2026, remains a "great concern" despite a downward trend in new infections. She cautioned that pockets of unvaccinated individuals and upcoming spring breaks pose risks for continued transmission, though the outbreak may end sooner than projected. The outbreak is centered in Spartanburg County and has resulted in 21 hospitalizations.

  3. South Carolina measles outbreak shows signs of slowing, with 6 new cases reported

    South Carolina's measles outbreak is showing signs of slowing down, with case counts similar to early December levels and only six new infections reported on February 24, 2026. State health officials express cautious optimism that the outbreak may end sooner than projected. The total number of cases has reached 979, with the majority concentrated in Spartanburg County.

  4. South Carolina DPH reports 979 measles cases, 913 among unvaccinated

    South Carolina's Department of Public Health reported 979 measles cases as of February 24, 2026, with a slowdown in new infections. The majority of cases (913) are among unvaccinated individuals, and 21 hospitalizations have been recorded since the outbreak began in October 2025. Currently, 91 people are in quarantine and one is in isolation.

  5. South Carolina underreports measles hospitalizations due to lack of mandatory reporting

    Medical experts suggest that measles-related hospitalizations in South Carolina are significantly underreported because the state does not mandate hospitals to report these admissions. While official figures show 20 measles-related hospital admissions, experts believe this number is a substantial underestimate, contributing to the nation's largest measles outbreak since 2000.

  6. South Carolina reports 11 new measles cases, bringing total to 973; CDC confirms 66 new US cases

    South Carolina reported 11 new measles cases between February 18 and February 20, 2026, bringing the total outbreak count to 973. New public exposure sites have been identified in Spartanburg County, including Mabry Middle School, Spartanburg Community College's Giles Campus, and Costco. Nationally, the CDC confirmed 66 new measles infections, raising the US total for 2026 to 982.

  7. South Carolina Department of Public Health reports 11 new measles cases, identifies new exposure sites

    The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported 11 new measles cases, bringing the total outbreak count to 973. New public exposure sites have been identified, including Mabry Middle School, two churches, a Costco, and a community college in Spartanburg. Currently, 105 people are in quarantine and seven are in isolation, with quarantine end dates extending to March 15.

  9. South Carolina measles outbreak reaches 789 cases, exposing hospitals and major employers

    The South Carolina measles outbreak has reached 789 cases in the Upstate, with 89 new cases reported since Friday, and has led to exposures in critical locations including hospital maternity units, and major employers like BMW and Michelin plants.

January 2026 — 10 developments

  1. South Carolina Department of Public Health announces 847 measles cases, widespread community transmission

    The South Carolina Department of Public Health announced on January 30 that the state's measles outbreak has reached 847 cases, with public exposure sites suggesting widespread community transmission.

  2. Mecklenburg County confirms two measles cases, including one unvaccinated child

    Two measles cases were confirmed in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, with one adult contracting the illness through travel and an unvaccinated child through contact with an infected individual from Spartanburg, South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Public Health also reported that some measles cases have no identified source, indicating community circulation of the virus.

  3. United States reports 416 measles cases as of January 22, 2026, with 393 linked to 2025 outbreaks

    As of January 22, 2026, the United States has reported 416 confirmed measles cases, with 413 originating from 14 jurisdictions, including South Carolina. The majority of these cases, 393, are associated with outbreaks that began in 2025.

  7. South Carolina measles outbreak surges to 646 cases, reaches Clemson University

    The measles outbreak in South Carolina has surged to 646 cases and spread to Clemson University, with a confirmed case reported there. This rise in cases has led to concerns that the United States could lose its measles elimination status, and neighboring North Carolina has also reported linked cases.

  9. South Carolina Hospitals Implement Safety Precautions as Measles and Flu Cases Rise

    The measles outbreak in South Carolina is intensifying with almost 100 new cases. Hospitals in the Lowcountry are implementing safety precautions like masking and visitor restrictions as flu cases rise.

December 2025 — 4 developments

  2. Spartanburg County reports 126 infected, 300 quarantined, and 13 isolated individuals since October

    The total number of infected individuals since October reached 126, with more than 300 people in quarantine and 13 in isolation, predominantly in Spartanburg County.

  3. South Carolina Health Officials Report 111 Measles Cases, Hundreds Quarantined

    South Carolina health officials reported an 'accelerating' measles outbreak, totaling 111 cases, with hundreds of people placed in quarantine. The outbreak was primarily centered on a single church and several schools in Spartanburg County.

  4. South Carolina Reports Eight New Measles Cases Linked to Church, Three to School

    Eight new measles cases in South Carolina have been linked to a church, and three others to a school, with three additional cases under investigation. This follows earlier reports of an Upstate home school co-op being a focal point for measles cases and warnings from doctors about the virus's spread.

October 2025 — 2 developments

  1. South Carolina Department of Public Health confirms measles outbreak in Upstate region

    The South Carolina Department of Public Health issued a health alert confirming the measles outbreak in the Upstate region, defining an outbreak as three or more epidemiologically linked cases.

  2. South Carolina DPH Confirms Measles Outbreak in Upstate Region

    The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed an outbreak of measles in the Upstate region, with a total of eight cases reported, five of which were part of a newly identified outbreak.