Measles Cases Spread on US College Campuses as Virus Surges Nationwide

Why College Campuses Are Hotspots for Measles Transmission

College campuses across the United States provide ideal conditions for the rapid spread of highly contagious diseases like measles. With thousands of students living in close quarters in residence halls, attending packed lectures, and participating in social events, the opportunities for airborne transmission are abundant. Measles, caused by the measles virus (a single-stranded RNA virus from the genus Morbillivirus), spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. It can linger in the air for up to two hours after the infected individual has left the room, making ventilation in dorms and classrooms a critical factor.

Experts from the American College Health Association (ACHA) emphasize that campuses combine extreme contagiousness—up to 90% of susceptible close contacts can become infected—with dense congregate living and learning environments. International travel by students further introduces the virus from regions where measles remains endemic. Even with high vaccination rates, breakthrough infections occur because the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, while 97% effective with two doses, is not foolproof for every individual.

Nationwide Surge Sets the Stage for Campus Outbreaks

The United States is experiencing a dramatic resurgence of measles in 2026, with 733 confirmed cases reported across 20 states as of early February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks a sharp increase from typical annual figures, threatening the nation's elimination status achieved in 2000. Over 92% of cases are linked to outbreaks, many spilling over from 2025's record 2,267 incidents. States like South Carolina (936 cases), Texas (805), and Florida are leading the tally, with campus cases amplifying local clusters.

Declining kindergarten MMR vaccination coverage—from 95.2% in 2019–2020 to 92.5% in 2024–2025—has eroded herd immunity thresholds of 95%, allowing sustained transmission. College students, often young adults whose childhood vaccinations may have waned or who received early, less effective vaccine formulations (pre-1989 single-dose era), face heightened risks.

Ave Maria University: The Epicenter of a Campus Crisis

Ave Maria University in Florida exemplifies the severity of measles outbreaks on college campuses. This small Catholic institution with approximately 1,300 students has reported 57 confirmed cases since late January 2026, with seven students still contagious and others quarantined. Despite an impressive 98% MMR vaccination rate—exceeding CDC herd immunity recommendations—the outbreak underscores vaccine limitations and the power of superspreading events.

The university responded swiftly by opening a second on-campus health clinic to manage the influx, conducting extensive contact tracing with Collier County health officials, and maintaining in-person classes per state guidance. All affected students have progressed beyond the contagious phase, but the incident has strained resources and heightened anxiety. University leaders stated, "We remain vigilant and prepared to respond to new cases, fully committed to the health and safety of our community." This case highlights how even highly vaccinated populations can experience outbreaks if introduced by a single infectious traveler.

Other Campuses Grappling with Measles Spread

Beyond Florida, measles has infiltrated other US college campuses. At the University of Florida, two classes were exposed, prompting contact tracing by the Florida Department of Health. University of Wisconsin-Madison reported one confirmed student case, listing specific exposure sites on and off campus; unvaccinated exposed students were required to quarantine for 21 days. Clemson University in South Carolina identified one case in an affiliated individual, initiating isolation and notifications via the state health department.

These incidents reflect a broader pattern, with the ACHA monitoring multiple campuses. While case counts remain low outside Ave Maria, the potential for escalation remains high due to shared traits: communal dining, group study sessions, and extracurricular activities.

Vaccination Landscape in US Higher Education

Only 23 states mandate MMR vaccination for college entry, creating variability in immunity levels. Institutions like Ave Maria and Clemson enforce proof of immunity (vaccination, titer tests, or prior infection), achieving 98% coverage. However, exemptions—medical, religious, or philosophical—persist, and older faculty or staff vaccinated pre-1989 may lack boosters.

ACHA recommends comprehensive immunization programs: collecting records upon enrollment, offering catch-up clinics, and partnering with local health departments. Declining youth vaccination rates mean incoming freshmen may enter with gaps, exacerbated by misinformation and hesitancy.

• Maintain digital immunization registries for quick verification.
• Provide free or low-cost MMR doses on campus.
• Educate via orientations and emails about risks and efficacy.

Institutional Responses: Quarantine, Clinics, and Continuity

US colleges are activating emergency protocols amid outbreaks. Key strategies include:

• Rapid triage and isolation: Suspected cases mask immediately, isolate in designated rooms (vacant 2 hours post-use, then disinfected), and test via health departments.
• Contact tracing: Mapping exposures in classes, dorms, and events; excluding susceptibles for 21 days (incubation period).
• Resource expansion: Ave Maria's dual clinics; UW-Madison's welfare checks for quarantined students.
• Class continuity: Hybrid options where possible, but most follow health guidance to stay open.

Pre-planning with local public health ensures alignment, protecting operations while prioritizing safety.

For more on preparing for public health roles in higher education, explore higher ed jobs in administration and health services.

Health Impacts and Long-Term Risks

Measles severity belies its childhood association: 1 in 10 cases requires hospitalization for pneumonia, encephalitis, or dehydration. Complications affect 3 in 10, including subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (fatal brain disease years later), hearing loss, and seizures. Immunocompromised students, pregnant individuals, and infants face graver threats.

Pediatric nurse practitioner Jennifer Walsh notes, "Herd immunity is the best bet; one infected person can sicken 90 in a susceptible room." Breakthrough cases in vaccinated individuals are milder but transmissible.

Expert Perspectives and Public Health Calls to Action

Leaders like HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS administrator Mehmet Oz urge MMR vaccination: "Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution." ACHA's Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Committee advocates evidence-based policies balancing autonomy and community protection.

Solutions include post-exposure prophylaxis (vaccine within 72 hours or immunoglobulin for high-risks) and surveillance systems. Universities must address hesitancy through transparent, nonjudgmental dialogues.

State Policies and Future Prevention Strategies

Enhancing MMR mandates, standardizing exemptions, and funding campus clinics are pivotal. ACHA's Emergency Planning Guidelines outline all-hazards approaches. Long-term: boost national coverage via school requirements spilling to colleges.

• Annual immunity audits.
• Travel advisories for study abroad.
• Integration with student wellness programs.

Implications for Higher Education Stakeholders

Administrators face operational disruptions; faculty, teaching adjustments; students, academic setbacks. Yet, proactive measures position campuses as resilience models. As outbreaks evolve, monitoring CDC dashboards is essential.

Student feedback on health management can inform improvements—check Rate My Professor for insights into campus experiences.

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Outlook: Safeguarding Campuses Amid Resurgence

With cases climbing, 2026 could redefine higher ed public health. Optimism lies in vaccines' proven track record and institutional agility. Explore higher ed career advice for roles in student health, and higher ed jobs for opportunities in resilient campus environments. University jobs in administration demand such preparedness. Ultimately, collective vaccination commitment will protect learning communities.