Declining Vaccinations Fueling US Measles Resurgence

A significant measles outbreak in South Carolina's Upstate region has led to the quarantine of 153 unvaccinated students from two Spartanburg County schools. This drastic measure, announced by state health officials, aims to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.

iheart.com reported, The affected students, attending Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary, will remain out of school for a 21-day period. This extended quarantine reflects the measles virus's incubation period, which can last up to three weeks.

South Carolina has confirmed 11 measles cases statewide this year, with eight directly linked to the ongoing Upstate outbreak since late September. Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist with the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), reported active, unrecognized community transmission.

everydayhealth.com noted, This local situation mirrors a concerning national trend, as the United States has recorded 1,563 measles cases in 2025, marking the highest total since 1992. Forty-four separate outbreaks have been documented across 41 states this year.

Experts attribute this resurgence primarily to declining vaccination rates, particularly for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Kindergarten MMR vaccination rates have fallen to 92.5% nationally, below the 95% threshold required for community immunity.

queondamagazine.com reported, Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known, with approximately 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus likely to contract it. The airborne virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Public health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations to protect both individuals and the wider community. This preventative action is crucial to preventing further spread and potential severe health complications.

• iheart.com noted, Measles, once declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 due to widespread vaccination, is now experiencing a concerning resurgence. This highly contagious disease, which can lead to severe complications, is making a comeback primarily because of declining MMR vaccination rates below the critical herd immunity threshold.

• Key stakeholders in this outbreak include the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), local school administrations in Spartanburg County, and the families of both vaccinated and unvaccinated children. The DPH is actively managing the response, conducting contact tracing, and providing public health guidance.

• everydayhealth.com reported, The quarantine of 153 students significantly disrupts their education and highlights the broader societal impact of vaccine-preventable diseases. Beyond academic disruption, measles outbreaks place a substantial burden on healthcare systems and pose serious risks to vulnerable populations, including infants too young for vaccination and immunocompromised individuals.

• Nationally, 2025 has seen 1,563 measles cases across 41 states, marking the highest incidence in over three decades, with 44 confirmed outbreaks. This alarming increase is largely attributed to a drop in kindergarten MMR vaccination rates to 92.5%, falling short of the 95% coverage needed to prevent widespread transmission.

• queondamagazine.com noted, Measles transmission is exceptionally efficient; the virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain viable in the air for up to two hours. The typical incubation period, ranging from 7 to 21 days, necessitates the extended 21-day quarantine for exposed, non-immune individuals to prevent further spread.

• In South Carolina, 11 cases have been reported this year, with eight linked to the current Upstate outbreak, primarily in Spartanburg County. State epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell has indicated active, unrecognized community transmission, exacerbated by Spartanburg County's vaccination rates hovering around 90%, below the recommended level.

• iheart.com reported, Public health strategies focus on immediate containment through isolation and quarantine, alongside robust vaccination campaigns. Officials emphasize that the MMR vaccine is over 97% effective and remains the best defense against measles, urging parents to consult healthcare providers and ensure their children's vaccinations are current.