Measles Resurgence: 1,000 Cases Nationwide Prompt Health Warnings

Measles Resurgence: 1,000 Cases Nationwide Prompt Health Warnings

SIOUX FALLS — In a surprising twist, measles, a disease that was declared eliminated in the United States, is experiencing a resurgence, with more than 1,000 infections reported nationwide this year alone. This figure marks a troubling increase, tripling the cases logged just a year prior. The highly contagious virus is spreading primarily among unvaccinated children, triggering urgent warnings from health officials across the country.

“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humans,” stated Dr. Peter Paul Lim, an infectious disease specialist with Avera Medical Group. He elaborated on the severity of the situation, noting that among unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus, there is a 90% chance of infection — translating to 9 out of every 10 unvaccinated individuals at risk.

While South Dakota has not yet recorded any cases in 2025, health officials emphasize the importance of vigilance, particularly with summer travel underway. “Unfortunately, a vast majority of cases occur among children and individuals under 20 years of age, with approximately 96% of those infected being unvaccinated or having unknown vaccination status,” remarked Joshua Clayton, South Dakota's State Epidemiologist. This statistic raises significant concerns as certain areas of the nation exhibit low vaccination rates that create fertile ground for outbreaks.

As of now, 14 measles outbreaks have spread across 31 states, with Texas being the hardest hit. Out of the 1,046 confirmed cases nationwide, 961 are linked to these outbreaks, with Texas accounting for an overwhelming 728 cases alone. Other notable outbreaks have been reported in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas. “This kind of transmission is something not witnessed in recent years,” noted Sara Bowman, Vaccine Preventable Disease Epidemiologist for the South Dakota Department of Health.

The disease has also managed to infiltrate neighboring states, with North Dakota reporting its first cases since 2011 and Minnesota documenting two cases this year. Meanwhile, Iowa and Nebraska have reported no cases to date. The last recorded case in South Dakota occurred in July 2024, involving an adult who contracted the virus while traveling internationally.

Dr. Lim pointed out that nearly all cases — about 96% — occur in unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status is unclear, highlighting the implications of local vaccination rates. For example, he noted that the notable outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, began in an area where the vaccination rate stands at only 82%, underscoring how vulnerable such communities are to a rapid spread of measles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds the public that measles is primarily transmitted through airborne droplets that can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours post-exposure. Symptoms commonly manifest 10 to 14 days after exposure, initially appearing as high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, subsequently followed by a distinctive rash emanating from the hairline downward.

Given these conditions, public health experts agree that eliminating measles, a goal achieved in the U.S. in 2000, is contingent upon maintaining high immunization rates. The recent drop in vaccination percentages has resulted in conditions conducive to localized outbreaks, particularly in areas where rates have fallen below the crucial threshold of 93%.

While South Dakota has generally fared well in maintaining high vaccination coverage, Clayton acknowledged that the rates for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine have slightly decreased and currently stand at 91% for kindergartners. This figure is below the national average of 93%. Alarmingly, only 25 out of the state’s 66 counties meet the 95% threshold essential for community immunity, with some regions exhibiting vaccination rates as low as 60%, thereby exposing these communities to potential outbreaks.

Dr. Ashley Sands, a pediatric specialist at Sanford Health, remarked, “Some counties are doing fantastic, but others are significantly lower.” The MMR vaccine is critical in this context, offering approximately 97% effectiveness after two doses and providing long-lasting immunity. The vaccination protocol typically involves administering the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Sands emphasized the vaccine’s durability, noting that it has not changed since its introduction during the 1970s and continues to protect individuals today because the measles virus does not mutate like other viruses such as influenza or COVID-19.

As of 2025, three measles-related deaths have been documented, with all occurring in unvaccinated individuals. Hospitalization has been necessary for about 13% of recorded cases nationwide. Although South Dakota is currently free from confirmed cases, health officials stress that proactive prevention and heightened awareness remain paramount.

“We know that our tools for preventing measles are significantly more effective than any potential treatments,” asserted Dr. Denise Hanisch, Medical Director for the South Dakota Department of Health. “Education is critical; we need to ensure a high level of awareness regarding the importance of measles vaccination.”