The measles outbreaks that surged in the United States in 2025 show little sign of slowing and are expected to continue into 2026, according to public health officials who are monitoring the spread of the highly contagious virus. NBC News.
In South Carolina, health authorities have quarantined 168 people, most of whom are schoolchildren, as the state grapples with a growing outbreak in Spartanburg County.
Since September, the state has confirmed 138 cases of measles, almost all among unvaccinated individuals, and those individuals now exposed may remain in quarantine through the holidays.
“If we identify new cases, and if those cases have susceptible contacts, that will be a new 21-day quarantine period,” South Carolina State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said during a recent public briefing.
Vaccination rates in the affected area remain below the threshold, but health officials say it is the best choice to stop outbreaks.
Spartanburg County’s measles, mumps and rubella vaccination rate for the 2024-2025 school year was 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 cited by data NBC News shows that in states reporting MMR coverage, approximately two-thirds of counties fall below the 95% benchmark.
So far, South Carolina officials say there is no evidence the outbreak has spread to neighboring states, though officials remain vigilant.
Meanwhile, a separate outbreak along the Arizona-Utah border continues to spread. Health officials in Utah reported 125 cases, with more than 20 diagnosed in recent weeks, including exposures at schools, medical offices and urgent care facilities.
