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An outbreak for measles, a contagious infection that was once deemed eliminated, in the United States is expected to continue in 2026 as cases mount in three states, NBC News reports.
A total 168 residents of South Carolina, mostly schoolchildren, are reported to be in quarantine with 138 confirmed cases in the state since September, nearly all of whic have involved unvaccinated people.
“As we identify new cases, and if those cases have susceptible contacts, that’s a new 21-day quarantine period,” said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist for the state Department of Public Health, on Wednesday (December 17) during a news briefing.
Utah and Arizona are also reported to be dealing with mounting cases in recent weeks. A total 125 reported measles cases were reported by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, which includes 21 within the past three weeks. A total 190 cases were reported by the Arizona Department of Health Services, most of which were in Mohave County, which shares a border with Utah.
A total 1,958 measles cases were reported in 2025, which is 168 less than a previous high of 2,216 logged in 1992. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 49 outbreaks, which are classified as three or more related cases, while 222 people were sick enough to be hospitalized, in 2025.
Measles is considered one of the most contagious known viruses in the world and can hang in the air for hours, with non-vaccinated people nearly always becoming infected if exposed to it.