Measles Outbreak: US Faces Loss of Elimination Status – 2025
A Slow Rollout and Rising Concerns: Measles Cases Climb as Vaccination Rates Lag
BOILING SPRINGS, S.C. – The scene was starkly quiet. A pop-up clinic, tucked away in the back corner of the Boiling Springs Public Library parking lot, offered free measles vaccinations in early November. Despite a growing outbreak in Spartanburg County, and a national resurgence of the highly contagious virus, only one person showed up.
The single visitor speaks to a troubling reality: despite the clear and present danger posed by measles, convincing people to get vaccinated is proving to be a significant challenge. Public health officials are battling not just a virus, but also a complex web of misinformation, skepticism, and a growing distrust in established institutions.
The Canary in the Coal Mine
South Carolina isn’t alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has already tallied over 1,700 measles cases and 45 outbreaks across the nation in 2025, the largest originating in Texas, where two children tragically died. This marks the highest number of cases since 2019, when the U.S. lost its measles elimination status – a designation signifying the virus was no longer endemic. For the first time in over two decades, the nation is on the precipice of losing that hard-won ground.
“Everyone talks about it being the canary in the coal mine because it’s the most contagious infectious disease out there,” explains Josh Michaud, associate director for global and public health policy at KFF, a health information nonprofit. “The logic is indisputable that we’re likely to see more outbreaks.”
The highly contagious nature of measles – it spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes – means a 95% vaccination rate is needed to maintain herd immunity and prevent widespread outbreaks. Unfortunately, vaccination rates have been steadily declining in many communities, leaving them vulnerable. According to the World Health Organization, global measles vaccine coverage stalled at 83% in 2022, leaving an estimated 39 million children unprotected.
A Perfect Storm of Factors
In Spartanburg County, the problem is particularly acute. Nearly 10% of students in local schools either received a vaccine exemption or didn’t meet vaccination requirements during the 2024-25 academic year. This decline isn’t new; it’s been building for years, fueled by a variety of factors.
Chris Lombardozzi, a senior vice president with the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, points to the spread of misinformation, not just online but also through “a variety of nonmedical leaders over the years.” The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue, with fear and misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines spilling over into skepticism about all vaccines, including those for childhood diseases.
The ease with which religious exemptions can be obtained in South Carolina also contributes to the problem. The exemption form requires only notarization, without any need for a doctor’s note or explanation of religious beliefs. This has led to a sixfold increase in religious exemptions in the Upstate region over the past decade.
The Role of “Health Freedom” and Political Rhetoric
Adding another layer of complexity is the rise of “health freedom” ideologies, particularly among conservative politicians. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite acknowledging the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, has a long history of questioning vaccine safety and falsely linking vaccines to autism. His statements, and those of others promoting similar views, contribute to a climate of distrust.
“What would I do if I could go back in time and I could avoid giving my children the vaccines that I gave them?” Kennedy asked on a podcast in 2020. “I would do anything for that. I would pay anything to be able to do that.”
This rhetoric has had a “chilling effect all the way down through state and local lawmakers,” Michaud says, making some hesitant to openly advocate for vaccination. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, for example, stated he doesn’t support vaccine mandates, echoing a sentiment increasingly common among Republicans.
A Quieter Response and Uncertain Future
The response from the South Carolina Department of Public Health has been noticeably more subdued than its aggressive outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pop-up clinic in Boiling Springs, with its lack of signage and freebies, exemplifies this quieter approach.
The agency’s interim director, Edward Simmer, faced opposition from Republican lawmakers during his confirmation hearing, with some criticizing his past support for COVID-19 vaccines and masking. This political climate has created a challenging environment for public health officials trying to address the measles outbreak.
Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Providers across Spartanburg County administered more than twice as many measles vaccines in October as they did the previous year. Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated, especially before the holiday travel season, when the risk of exposure increases.
The situation in South Carolina, and across the nation, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and the dangers of misinformation. The fight against measles is not just a medical battle, but a battle for public trust and a commitment to evidence-based public health policies.