The United States is experiencing a significant rise in measles cases, particularly alarming as millions prepare for holiday travel. Health officials are warning that the spread of this highly contagious disease could worsen during this busy season. As of December 23, 2025, the Utah County health department reported six additional cases among children aged 18 and younger, bringing the total number of cases in Utah to 142 this year. In stark contrast, there were no reported cases in 2024 and only one in 2023.
In Utah, the recent surge is concerning, with 85 of the cases involving individuals under 18 years old. Among those infected, a notable 127 have not been vaccinated, while eight had received vaccinations, and seven have an unknown vaccination status. The state has reported 15 cases just in the past week, and 14 individuals have been hospitalized as a result of the disease.
Nationwide, measles cases have reached a staggering total of 1,958 in 2025, with three fatalities recorded. This marks the largest outbreak since 1992, when 2,126 cases were reported. The resurgence has been fueled by an outbreak in Texas earlier this year within an unvaccinated religious community.
Vaccination Rates and Public Health Concerns
Dr. Jodie Guest, senior vice chair of epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, emphasized the virus’s ability to transcend state lines. She stated, “This is an incredibly transmissible virus. In our populations that are unvaccinated, we need to be very concerned.” As millions prepare to travel, the risk of further spreading the virus increases.
Travelers are advised to inquire about potential measles exposure, particularly when hosting individuals from areas with active outbreaks. Dr. Guest noted that vaccinated individuals are unlikely to contract measles, but those who are unvaccinated should exercise caution.
Connecticut recently reported its first measles case since 2021, while South Carolina has confirmed 142 cases, mirroring Utah’s figures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that over 250 individuals in South Carolina are currently under quarantine due to possible exposure. Arizona has also seen a surge in cases, with 182 reported this year compared to just five in 2024.
Dr. Renee Dua, a medical advisor to TenDollarTelehealth, attributed the current outbreaks to declining childhood vaccination rates. “Measles requires about 95 percent community immunity to prevent spread, and many regions are now below that threshold,” she explained. The nationwide vaccination rate for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine stands at 92.5 percent, but in Utah, it drops to 89 percent for kindergartners.
Understanding the Risks of Measles
Measles is recognized as the world’s most infectious disease, with unvaccinated individuals facing a 90 percent chance of infection upon exposure. The virus spreads rapidly through direct contact with infectious droplets or through the air, remaining contagious for four days before and four days after the rash appears. Severe complications can include pneumonia, seizures, and brain inflammation, with fatalities primarily stemming from acute encephalitis or pneumonia.
Currently, 512 cases of measles are reported in Americans under five years old, while 808 cases are in individuals aged 5 to 19, and 625 cases are among adults aged 20 and older. The CDC reports that 93 percent of those infected are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status.
Dr. Dua highlighted the dire consequences of the current outbreaks, stating, “We are seeing real consequences: preventable outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths from diseases that were previously well controlled.” She called for rebuilding trust in vaccines through clear, evidence-based communication, which is crucial for maintaining public health.
As holiday travel approaches, health officials urge everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the risk of measles infection. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools in preventing this highly infectious disease.
