Measles, Mumps, and Rubella in the United States

From Near-Elimination to Resurgence: 2000-2025

🚨 Current Alert: South Carolina Measles Outbreak

Confirmed measles outbreak in South Carolina's Upstate region as of October 2, 2025. Eight cases reported, including five epidemiologically linked cases in the past month. All patients are unvaccinated, with evidence of unrecognized community spread.

Annual Case Trends Since Elimination

Measles

Elimination Status
Declared eliminated in 2000
Pre-Vaccine Era (before 1963)
3-4 million cases annually
2003 (Post-Elimination Low)
231 cases
2019 (Previous Record)
1,274 cases
2025 (as of Sept 30)
1,544 cases — Highest since elimination
2025 Deaths
3 deaths (first in a decade)

Mumps

Vaccination Program Started
1967
Impact of Vaccination
99%+ decrease in cases
1968
152,209 cases
2003
231 cases
2006 Outbreak
6,584 cases (highest in 25 years)
2021 (Lowest)
189 cases
2025 (as of Sept 11)
226 cases

Rubella

Elimination Status
Declared eliminated in 2004
Vaccine Introduction
1969
1962-1965 Epidemic
12.5 million cases, 20,000 congenital rubella syndrome cases
Since Elimination (2004-Present)
Fewer than 10 cases per year
Case Origin
Most cases since 2012 are imported from international travel
Success Story
99%+ reduction in incidence; maintains elimination status

Sources