Health Officials Urge Measles Vaccine Checks Amid Rising Cases

Feb 18, 2026, 2:36 AM

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Health officials across the United States are raising alarms about a significant increase in measles cases, urging individuals to check their vaccination status to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks. In 2025 alone, the US has reported over 1,000 measles cases, a drastic increase from 285 cases in all of 2024, with a majority of this year's cases involving unvaccinated individuals.

Recent outbreaks have been particularly pronounced in states with lower vaccination rates. For instance, South Carolina has confirmed 114 cases of measles, with most patients unvaccinated. The state's Department of Public Health highlighted that vaccination coverage is lower than desired, contributing to the outbreak's severity.

In California, a confirmed case involved an unvaccinated child returning from international travel, adding to the state's total of 14 confirmed cases in 2025. This case underscores how easily measles can re-enter communities, especially when vaccination rates drop. Sacramento County Public Health has emphasized the importance of verifying vaccination status to protect both individuals and the broader community from potential infections.

Experts warn that the current situation reflects a troubling trend of declining vaccine confidence. This decline has been exacerbated by misinformation surrounding vaccines, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health officials note that a significant number of measles cases this year stem from domestic transmission, especially in regions like Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, where vaccination rates have plummeted.

Measles is known to be highly contagious, capable of spreading through the air and on surfaces, with people remaining infectious for several days even before symptoms appear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will contract it. Symptoms typically manifest about 8 to 12 days after exposure, starting with fever, cough, and a runny nose, followed by a characteristic rash.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing measles, providing 93% effectiveness after one dose and 97% after two doses. Health officials recommend that children receive the vaccine at ages 12-15 months and again between 4-6 years. Adults born after 1957 who are unsure of their vaccination status should contact their healthcare providers to assess their need for the vaccine, especially if they lack documentation of prior vaccination or measles infection.

The situation has prompted calls for increased vaccination efforts. Public health experts advocate for maintaining high vaccination rates to achieve herd immunity, which is essential in protecting vulnerable populations, such as infants and those with compromised immune systems. To foster confidence in vaccinations, it is crucial to counteract misinformation and emphasize the benefits of immunization against diseases like measles, which had previously been declared eliminated in the US in 2000.

In light of these developments, communities are encouraged to take proactive measures. Parents are advised to verify their children's vaccination records, while adults should consult healthcare providers about their immunization status. The CDC and local health departments are working to ensure that accessible vaccination services are available, particularly for those who may be uninsured or underinsured.

As the number of measles cases continues to rise, health officials stress the importance of immediate action. Ensuring high vaccination rates is not only a personal health decision but also a public health imperative to prevent future outbreaks and protect the most vulnerable members of society from this preventable disease.

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