AI Nations Unite to Prevent Risks
The United States is confronting another rapid rise in measles infections, marking the second major wave of cases this year. New reports show the virus spreading at levels not seen since the peak of the West Texas outbreak earlier in the spring — a troubling sign for public health officials already battling multiple clusters nationwide.
A Rapid National Spike in New Infections
In the past week, 84 additional measles cases were reported across the country, according to updated federal health data. This represents the highest weekly jump since April, when infections were climbing by roughly 100 cases per week.
Texas, once the center of the country’s largest outbreak in 2025, has not recorded new cases since state leaders announced the end of its outbreak in mid-August. However, the concern has now shifted eastward to South Carolina, where the virus is spreading swiftly.
State health officials report that over 250 individuals are currently under quarantine following potential exposure, while 16 confirmed patients are in isolation. Some residents have been quarantined twice because they did not gain immunity — either through vaccination or natural infection — after their initial exposure.
Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina’s state epidemiologist, stressed the burden this creates: “Measles can incubate for up to 21 days. Having to repeat that quarantine period has a major impact on people’s schooling, work routines, and family life.” She reaffirmed that vaccination remains the most effective prevention method, protecting both individuals and communities from disruption.
Low Vaccination Rates Fueling Fast Growth
South Carolina has recorded 111 measles cases since the outbreak began in October. At least 105 of these infections occurred in unvaccinated people, highlighting a critical vulnerability. The recommended two-dose MMR vaccine regimen provides about 97% protection, yet many residents remain unprotected.
Cases continue climbing, fueled by holiday gatherings, travel, and what officials describe as “lower-than-needed vaccination coverage” in certain regions. The upstate area near Greenville has been hit hardest, with dozens of recent infections linked to a church exposure event. Additional transmission has occurred in schools and medical facilities.
Bell warned that every new case in an undervaccinated community can create a cascading effect because measles spreads so easily. She urged residents to boost immunization levels quickly to prevent further acceleration.
The spread isn’t limited to South Carolina. Utah and Arizona are also seeing persistent transmission in areas along their shared border. Arizona has now reached 176 cases, the second-highest state total this year, while Utah has confirmed 115 cases and continues to detect new infections.
A Record-Breaking Year With National Risks Ahead
2025 has already been a landmark year for measles in the US — and not in a good way. Between January and July, nearly 1,300 cases were reported, surpassing all totals since the virus was declared eliminated nationally 25 years ago. Now, with outbreaks continuing well into late fall, federal data shows the country has exceeded 1,900 total cases, most occurring among unvaccinated people.
If these outbreaks extend into January, the US risks losing its measles elimination status, just as Canada did recently.
In total, 47 outbreaks have been recorded this year, almost triple last year’s count. More than 200 people have been hospitalized, and three deaths — including two young children — have been linked to measles, underscoring how dangerous the virus remains when vaccination rates slip.
