02/09/2026
Have you heard? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday reported at least 733 confirmed measles cases nationwide so far this year—more than four times the annual average of 180 cases from 2000 to 2024.
The nationwide update, which often lags behind state-level counts, comes as South Carolina reported 920 measles cases yesterday, including 44 new infections since Tuesday. Of those infected with the respiratory virus in South Carolina, 840 are unvaccinated, and 824 are under 18. Overall, roughly 57% of cases confirmed by the CDC are among people aged 5 to 19. Experts attribute the nationwide rise in measles cases to a growing number of parents declining vaccines for their children over concerns about potential side effects.
The US recorded 2,276 measles cases last year—its highest total since the nation declared measles eliminated in 2000 following high vaccination rates. Last year, the share of kindergarteners vaccinated against measles nationwide also fell below 93%. Experts say herd immunity is typically achieved at around 95% coverage.
To learn more about the measles virus, how it is transmitted, and the prognosis of the disease, watch this very informative video:
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases known to science. It was responsible for more than 100,000 deaths in 2023. Most of those deaths occurred among unvaccinated children under the
