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Measles Surges in U.S. and South Africa as Health Authorities Race to Close Immunity Gaps

Lagging childhood vaccination is driving the rise, officials warn.

Overview

  • The United States has recorded 1,753 CDC-confirmed measles cases in 2025, the highest tally in 33 years, spanning 45 outbreaks in 41 states.
  • Utah reports 87 cases, mostly in Washington County, with 18 diagnoses in the past three weeks, and the UtahArizona cluster now exceeds 180 cases.
  • CDC data show 92% of U.S. cases are in unvaccinated people, with children up to age 19 accounting for 66% of infections.
  • South Africa has logged 1,795 laboratory-confirmed cases through week 45, including 114 in the latest week, and is running targeted outreaches and a 3–28 November vaccination campaign.
  • Officials note the U.S. risks losing its measles elimination status if sustained transmission continues into late January, and emphasize that two MMR doses provide about 97% protection.