Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Updated on: December 16, 2025 / 8:14 PM EST / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- Measles outbreaks are growing in South Carolina and along the Utah-Arizona border.
- Hundreds of people, including students, are in quarantine due to these outbreaks.
- The US is nearing 2,000 measles cases nationally, a significant increase compared to previous years.
- Experts cite declining vaccination rates and parents withholding vaccinations as the primary cause for the outbreaks.
- The US is at risk of losing its measles elimination status if continuous local spread persists.
- The MMR vaccine is highly effective, but vaccination rates have declined due to waivers and missed schedules.
- A recent recommendation change separates the MMRV vaccine into MMR and varicella shots for younger children due to a slightly higher risk of fever-related seizures.