Measles Outbreaks Threaten US Elimination Status, CDC Downplays Concerns
Ongoing measles outbreaks in South Carolina and West Texas are putting the United States’ status as a country that has eliminated the virus at risk. However, a CDC leader downplayed concerns during a briefing on Tuesday. The outbreaks have sparked widespread worry, but Dr. Ralph Abraham, the CDC’s principal deputy director, downplayed the potential loss of elimination status.
South Carolina’s Outbreak Expands
The South Carolina measles outbreak is rapidly growing, with at least 646 confirmed cases, according to the state’s health department. This outbreak is approaching the scale of the West Texas outbreak from 2025, which recorded roughly 760 cases. The CDC noted that there is no evidence to suggest that transmission is occurring between these states.
However, Dr. Abraham emphasized that losing elimination status would not mean a widespread measles outbreak. “Losing elimination status does not mean measles would be widespread,” he said. “Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles.”
Unvaccinated Individuals Driving the Spread
According to CDC data, 93% of measles cases in the US in 2025 and 95% of cases in 2026 involved individuals who had not received the MMR vaccine or had an unknown vaccination status. In South Carolina, nearly 90% of the cases have been among unvaccinated children.
The state is also dealing with over 500 people in quarantine, most of whom were exposed to measles without vaccination protection. Exposures have been identified in several schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as universities such as Clemson University and Anderson University.
Fast Growth in South Carolina’s Outbreak
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a former CDC official, said the measles outbreak in South Carolina is growing at an alarming rate. “This is in a growth phase, and it is moving very quickly,” he warned. The majority of the cases in South Carolina have been in children, with nearly all being unvaccinated. Only about 2% of cases involved individuals who were fully vaccinated.
Criticism of Vaccine Misinformation
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and Dr. Annie Andrews of South Carolina criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr., US Health and Human Services Secretary, for fueling skepticism around vaccines. They argued that his actions have contributed to the rapid spread of measles.
Gov. Green, also a physician, called the situation “public health malpractice” and stressed that the current measles crisis is completely preventable. He added, “It is public health malpractice to have thwarted confidence in vaccinations.”
Vaccine Exemptions Contributing to the Crisis
CDC data revealed that a record share of US kindergartners had exemptions for the required MMR vaccination during the 2025 school year. This marks the fifth consecutive year that MMR coverage has remained below the federal target of 95%. Gov. Green warned, “Kids will die” if the public health system does not address this issue.
CDC’s Response: Support for Affected Communities
Despite growing concerns, Dr. Abraham and other CDC officials continue to downplay the loss of elimination status. He stated that the CDC’s role is to support affected communities and help minimize measles’ impact. “We’re here to help. We understand concerns and are willing to listen to alternatives for treatment and prevention,” Dr. Abraham said.
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