Measles Outbreaks Surge on College Campuses

CDC warns of increased risk due to close living quarters and lower immunity among students.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:39am

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Measles outbreaks have been reported at several college campuses across the U.S., including Ave Maria University in Florida and Clemson University in South Carolina. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says colleges and universities are historically hot spots for measles due to dense living arrangements, group activities, and variable vaccination histories among the student population.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in unvaccinated individuals. Outbreaks on college campuses pose a significant public health risk, as the disease can spread rapidly through dormitories and classrooms.

The details

The measles outbreak at Ave Maria University in Florida has resulted in at least 12 confirmed cases, with more test results pending. In South Carolina, the state's measles outbreak has reached 876 cases, including students at Clemson University. Previous outbreaks have also been reported at Texas State University and the University of Texas at San Antonio.

  • As of February 3, 2026, South Carolina's measles outbreak has surpassed the previous outbreak in Texas last year.
  • In late January, the South Carolina Department of Public Health reported that 34 students at Clemson University were in isolation due to the measles outbreak.

The players

Ave Maria University

A Catholic-based university in Southwest Florida facing a measles outbreak with at least 12 confirmed cases.

Clemson University

A university in South Carolina where 34 students were in isolation due to the state's measles outbreak.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The U.S. public health agency that warns of the increased risk of measles outbreaks on college campuses due to close living quarters and lower immunity among students.

Tyler Bellwood

The director of infection prevention for Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) in Collier County, Florida, who has weighed in on why colleges and universities are risk spots for measles.

Dr. Charles Callahan

The system medical director of epidemiology for Lee Health, who has provided information on the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles.

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What they’re saying

“Dense living arrangements within college dormitories, group activities with close contact, and populations with variable vaccination histories may lead to an increased risk of measles spread in a community.”

— Tyler Bellwood, Director of Infection Prevention, Naples Comprehensive Health

“If the MMR is given within 72 hours of the exposure, it is 90% effective.”

— Dr. Charles Callahan, System Medical Director of Epidemiology, Lee Health

What’s next

Colleges should maintain updated immunization records and have an established pre-existing plan for isolation, including private housing for infected students, according to the CDC.

The takeaway

This outbreak highlights the importance of vaccination and proactive measures to prevent the rapid spread of measles on college campuses, where students live in close quarters and have variable vaccination histories.