Back in January, I covered the growing measles outbreak in the United States. At the time, the outbreak was localized to South Carolina, with some cases spreading to North Carolina and Washington state. As of March 5th, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,281 confirmed measles cases in the United States, the highest number of cases nationally since measles was considered eliminated in 2000.
While the outbreak has spread to 31 states, no cases have been confirmed in Tennessee so far this year. Furthermore, the outbreak is primarily impacting elementary school-aged children, but it has infected adults as well. The good news is, if you’re attending ETSU in-person, you’ve most likely received your Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, as it is a requirement to live on campus.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be paying attention to the outbreak. Outbreaks like this are completely preventable if a community has developed herd immunity. In simple terms, if 95% of a community is vaccinated for a particular disease (like measles), both vaccinated and unvaccinated community members are protected from the disease. In the last several years, MMR vaccination rates have lessened in elementary school-aged children across the country.
While some people tend to focus on the risks associated with vaccination, it is even more important to consider the benefits of receiving them. Objectively, the MMR vaccine is effective at preventing measles: one dose is 93% effective against the disease, while two doses are 97% effective. Vaccinations are a very personal decision for individuals and parents to make, but researching the pros and cons of any medical decision is important.
As we get closer to spring break, I urge you to stay safe, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Ensure all your vaccines are up to date– not just your MMR. If you’re traveling internationally or somewhere where there is an active measles outbreak, make sure you know the signs and symptoms of the disease: rash (3-5 days after symptoms appear), fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. If you’re out of town and aren’t feeling well, go see a medical professional.
While most healthy adults with or without the MMR vaccine can fight off the disease pretty easily, measles spreads fast. One person infected can infect up to 18 other people, so make sure you wash your hands. Stay safe, bucs!
