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Measles Resurgence: U.S. Cases at 33-Year High, South Africa Reports Broad Outbreaks

Officials link the surge to lagging childhood vaccination, prompting urgent MMR campaigns.

Overview

  • The CDC reports 1,753 U.S. cases in 2025 across 45 outbreaks in 41 states, with 92% in unvaccinated people and two‑thirds under age 19.
  • Utah has 87 lab‑confirmed cases, mostly in Washington County, including 18 diagnoses over the past three weeks.
  • South Africa has recorded 1,795 laboratory‑confirmed cases through week 45, led by Gauteng, with nationwide and Western Cape vaccination drives underway in November.
  • Under WHO criteria, the U.S. risks losing its measles‑free designation if linked transmission endures for 12 months, with the key window closing at the end of January.
  • Doctors recommend on‑time MMR vaccination—first dose at 12 months and a second at kindergarten age—and advise calling ahead before seeking care to prevent exposure in clinics.