Measles Outbreaks

TL;DR:

New U.S. outbreaks grew fast in early January 2026.
South Carolina leads with hundreds of cases and new quarantines.
Travel exposures were flagged on trains and at airports.
Europe still faces large case totals from 2024 into 2025.
Check MMR status, close gaps, and follow local advisories.

Several U.S. measles clusters expanded in early January 2026. South Carolina reported a sharp jump, with 99 new cases in two days, for 310 total as of January 9. Most patients were unvaccinated, and hundreds were asked to quarantine. Reuters reported that most cases are in Spartanburg County and many exposures occurred at public sites.

The surge is not limited to one state. The Associated Press said the South Carolina outbreak sent cases into North Carolina and Ohio during holiday travel. The same report noted 2,144 U.S. cases in 2025, the highest since 1991, and warned that continued spread could threaten the U.S. measles elimination status.

Travel-related alerts continue. On January 11, the Washington Post reported a contagious traveler passed through Maryland by train and airport shuttles, prompting an advisory for people who may have been exposed.

Where cases are rising

State and local updates point to fresh activity beyond the Southeast. Oregon confirmed its first cases of 2026 on January 10, urging residents to review vaccination records.

Federal dashboards capture the early 2026 picture. CDC’s measles page showed three confirmed U.S. cases recorded through January 6, all tied to late 2025 outbreaks, a reminder that reporting lags and definitions differ by cut-off date. South Carolina and North Carolina were among the first jurisdictions to report 2026 cases.

The global context

The U.S. uptick fits a wider cycle. WHO and UNICEF reported the WHO European Region logged 127,350 cases in 2024, the highest since 1997, with trends carrying into 2025. Gaps in routine immunization and delayed catch-up campaigns after the pandemic were key drivers. ECDC added that 32,265 people were diagnosed in EU and EEA countries from February 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025, with Romania, Italy, and Germany among the highest.

Why this surge now

Measles spreads by air and lingers in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. One case can infect many, especially where vaccination is low. WHO notes that while vaccines averted tens of millions of deaths since 2000, outbreaks still occur when coverage drops below the 95 percent two-dose target needed for herd protection.

Holiday travel and crowded public places increase exposure opportunities. The Maryland transit advisory shows how a single traveler can seed dozens of contacts across trains, shuttles, and terminals in one night.

Who is most at risk

Infants too young for their first MMR dose, children with missed shots, and unvaccinated adults face the highest risk of severe disease. In the South Carolina data described by Reuters, most patients were unvaccinated. Two were fully vaccinated, which aligns with strong, but not absolute, vaccine protection.

People with weakened immune systems and pregnant people face higher complication risks. If exposed, they should call a clinician for guidance on immune globulin or other time-sensitive steps. WHO and CDC advise avoiding crowded settings when ill and isolating after exposure when directed by public health orders.

What to do now

1) Check your MMR status

Pull your records or patient portal. If unsure, ask your clinic for a vaccination history check or a measles IgG test. People born before 1957 usually have natural immunity, but confirm if you work in health care or travel often.

2) Catch up quickly

Children need two MMR doses, first at 12 to 15 months, second at 4 to 6 years. In an outbreak, health officials may speed up the second dose for younger children. Adults without evidence of immunity should get at least one dose, and two if they are students, international travelers, or health care workers. Follow local guidance during this surge.

3) Mind exposure alerts

If you were at a listed site during the time window, call your provider before visiting a clinic. Wear a mask, isolate as told, and watch for fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash. Maryland’s recent advisory shows why quick action matters after travel exposures.

4) Schools and employers

Review immunization policies now. Offer on-site vaccination or referrals. Plan for short-term exclusions during outbreaks for those without proof of immunity. These steps limit spread and shorten disruptions.

Quick reference: are you protected?

Group	Evidence of immunity that counts	Action if not immune
Children 12–15 months	1 dose MMR given	Get first dose now
Children 4–6 years	2 documented MMR doses	Get second dose now
Adults born in 1957 or later	1 dose MMR or lab proof	Get 1 dose, or 2 if student, traveler, or health worker
Health workers	2 documented doses or lab proof	Get second dose if needed
After exposure	Lab proof, prior doses, or provider guidance	Call provider, consider immune globulin if eligible

Follow your country’s schedule if it differs. In outbreaks, health departments may adjust timing.

What happens next

State health departments continue to post exposure sites and case counts. CDC will update national tallies as 2026 reporting builds. WHO, ECDC, and national agencies in Europe are monitoring immunity gaps and running catch-up drives as schools resume. Expect more targeted vaccination clinics and possible temporary exclusions in affected schools and child care centers.

Why it matters

Measles is not a mild illness. It can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, and death, and it can erase immune memory for other infections. Strong MMR coverage protects infants and communities. Closing small gaps now avoids larger school and travel disruptions later.