How Communities Around the United States Have Handled Measles Outbreaks

The Measles outbreak in the United States of America has been in the headlines for a while now. New cases have been reported all over the United States over the past couple of months. These cases have managed to reach places like Disneyland and universities like Ave Maria University and UW-Madison.

Measles is a highly contagious disease and can be extremely serious. The best way to stay protected is with two doses of the MMR vaccine. Symptoms of measles can include cough, fever, a rash, and a runny nose. Measles spreads through the air by respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or even talks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97 percent effective.

In the US Measles was considered eradicated in 2000. However, in 2025, we had 49 outbreaks in the United States. This is a jump from the previous year, 2024. In 2024, only 16 outbreaks occurred. In 2026, there have been a couple of new outbreaks in popular areas.

One of those places is universities. Ave Marie University, which is located in Florida, had confirmed more than 50 cases of Measles as of February 11th, 2026. The university has created a second clinic to support students. University of Wisconsin-Madison and Furman University (located in South Carolina) have both confirmed cases as well. The student who contracted the measles at UW-Madison caught it while traveling internationally. New York City also reported its first measles case of 2026. An infant who recently traveled internationally and was unvaccinated contracted the disease.

Apart from universities, the theme park Disneyland has also been linked to the virus.

After visiting Disneyland, two cases were reported. In both cases, the people had visited Disneyland during their exposure window. One of the cases was an international traveler.

The chief medical officer for Disney Experiences has said, "We are closely following all guidance and recommendations by local health officials to support the well-being of our guests and cast members" (Phillipp, 2026).

Most cities and places, such as New York City and UW-Madison, are reporting that a high vaccination rate means that there is a lower risk of other people contracting Measles.

Overall, state and city governments are working to curb the spread of Measles in affected regions. Being vaccinated is a great way to protect yourself from the disease and has been recommended by many public health officials.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, April 25). Measles cases and outbreaks. Measles (Rubeola); CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html

Phillipp, C. (2026, February 9). Second case of measles linked to Disneyland. People. https://people.com/measles-disneyland-second-case-reported-11902629

Infant who traveled overseas is New York City’s 1st case of measles this year. (2026, February 12). ABC7 New York. https://abc7ny.com/post/nyc-measles-health-officials-say-unvaccinated-infant-traveled-overseas-is-citys-first-case/18592082/

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Kirwan, H. (2026, February 2). Measles confirmed in UW-Madison student. WPR. https://www.wpr.org/news/measles-confirmed-uw-madison-student-wisconsin

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Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). History of Measles: Outbreaks and Vaccine Timeline. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/history-disease-outbreaks-vaccine-timeline/measles

Scott, T. (2026, February 10). Furman University confirms measles case among campus community. Https://Www.foxcarolina.com; Fox Carolina. https://www.foxcarolina.com/2026/02/10/furman-university-confirms-measles-case-among-campus-community/

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Team, W. D. (2026, February 9). Ave Maria University reports 57 measles cases since semester began. FOX 4 News Fort Myers WFTX. https://www.fox4now.com/collier-county/ave-maria-university-reports-53-measles-cases-since-semester-began

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board

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