Ongoing Measles Outbreaks Challenge US Elimination Status, Officials Respond

The ongoing measles outbreaks in various regions of the United States are raising concerns about the country’s status as a nation that has eliminated the virus. Despite this, a leader from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated on March 14, 2025, that the potential loss of this status is not a significant concern. The remarks came during a briefing focused on a South Carolina outbreak, which has now reported at least 646 cases according to the state’s health department.

Last year, a similar situation unfolded in West Texas, where approximately 760 cases were confirmed, making it one of the largest and most severe measles outbreaks in decades. Dr. Ralph Abraham, Principal Deputy Director of the CDC, emphasized that there is no conclusive evidence of transmission between outbreaks in different states. He commented, “Losing elimination status … does not mean that the measles would be widespread, nor would it alter any key measles elimination strategies.” Dr. Abraham recently joined the CDC and previously served as the surgeon general of Louisiana, where he reduced vaccine promotion efforts.

The CDC reported a total of 2,242 measles cases in the United States in 2025, the highest number since 1991. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but the Pan American Health Organization may reconsider this status in its upcoming meeting in April. When asked about the implications of such a change, Dr. Abraham stated, “not really,” implying that the public health strategies would remain intact.

The South Carolina outbreak is notably concerning, as it is quickly on track to surpass last year’s figures in West Texas. More than 500 individuals are currently in quarantine after exposure to confirmed cases, according to local health officials. Schools across the state, including elementary, middle, and high institutions, have reported unvaccinated students in quarantine. Exposures have also been identified at Clemson University and Anderson University.

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, described the situation in South Carolina as “very, very active.” He noted that the outbreak is in a growth phase and stated, “We are nowhere close to the place that we would need to be able to say that this is coming under control.” The majority of cases—nearly 90% —have been among unvaccinated children, with only about 2% involving individuals who received the full two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Concerns about vaccination have been heightened by public figures, including Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who criticized U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for contributing to vaccine hesitancy. Governor Green stated, “What’s happening today with measles is absolutely public health malpractice, and it’s completely preventable.” He expressed alarm over the rising number of kindergarteners exempted from required vaccinations, marking the fifth consecutive year that MMR vaccine coverage has remained below the federal target of 95%.

The implications of these outbreaks extend beyond public health statistics. As communities grapple with rising measles cases, the CDC continues to advocate for vaccination as the most effective preventive measure. Dr. Abraham reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting communities that may be hesitant about vaccinations, stating, “We’re open for business. We’re here to help, we understand concerns that those communities may have, and we’re willing to listen to alternatives” for treatment and prevention.

As the situation develops, the focus remains on controlling these outbreaks and reinforcing public confidence in vaccines to prevent further spread of measles across the United States.