Measles Cases Rise in Utah and South Carolina Ahead of Thanksgiving

Health officials in two states reported new measles cases over the weekend, intensifying concerns about spread during Thanksgiving travel and holiday gatherings. In Utah, five cases were confirmed in Wasatch County, the first in that county this year, and all five were students at Wasatch High School. Two additional suspected cases in the county were under investigation. Officials said at least one infected student attended school and extracurricular activities while contagious, prompting contact tracing and notifications to families.

In South Carolina, three additional cases were reported in the Upstate area, bringing the state total to 55 and the Upstate outbreak to 52. Two of the new cases were household contacts of previously identified patients, while one was recorded as community transmission. Health officials noted a possible exposure at the Greensboro Spartanburg International Airport where an employee was infectious during the week of November 10, a development that broadens the circle of concern given the volume of holiday travel.

Public health experts say the timing is troubling. Measles is highly contagious, and crowded travel hubs and school environments are settings where a single infectious person can seed multiple secondary cases. With millions expected to travel for Thanksgiving, even a small number of active cases can lead to wider transmission across state lines and into communities with low vaccination coverage.

State and local health departments moved swiftly to identify contacts, offer vaccination, and advise on quarantine and exclusion from schools and workplaces where appropriate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains national tracking of measles cases and has in recent months highlighted increases compared with typical years. Public health guidance emphasizes that the measles mumps and rubella vaccine is the primary measure to prevent infection, and that people with uncertain immunization histories should consult providers about receiving a dose.

The outbreaks underscore persistent gaps in vaccine coverage and access. Rural and underserved communities face practical barriers to timely vaccination, including transportation, clinic hours, and insurance coverage. School outbreaks can amplify inequities when families lack paid sick leave to keep ill children home, or when language and information barriers hinder outreach. Airport exposures raise separate workplace equity concerns, as employees without adequate sick pay or protections may continue to work while infectious.

Health departments said they would continue outreach to affected communities, coordinate with schools and airport authorities, and expand opportunities for vaccination. Providers are being urged to consider measles in patients with fever and rash, and to follow infection control protocols to prevent onward spread.

As families make travel plans, officials recommend checking vaccination records, ensuring children are up to date on routine immunizations, and staying home if sick. The combination of holiday movement, school exposures, and workplace transmission illustrates how outbreaks exploit gaps in both the health system and social safety nets. Addressing those gaps will be key to limiting spread and protecting those most at risk.