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- Measles outbreak threatens US elimination status
Measles outbreaks in several parts of the country are jeopardizing the United States’ recognition as a nation that once halted the virus’s spread.
Last week, South Carolina officials confirmed 212 new cases, raising the state total to 646. This comes amid three recently confirmed cases in Virginia.
By the numbers: The growing number of cases in South Carolina is on its way to surpassing last year’s West Texas outbreak as the largest in the United States in decades. In 2025, the US recorded 2,242 measles cases, the most since 1991.
As measles cases continue to spread, the US inches closer to losing its measles elimination status. The disease was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, and the Pan American Health Organization could revoke that status when it meets in April.
CDC officials have called the potential loss "not of grave concern" but added that "vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles."