CDC urges summer camps to check for measles immunity, as U.S. nears record

Summer camps across the United States are being urged by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prioritize measles immunity documentation for all children, staff, and volunteers. With measles outbreaks reaching near record levels, the CDC is emphasizing the importance of vaccination or prior infection documentation to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus.

According to the CDC, the close contact and communal living environment of summer camps create ideal conditions for measles to spread rapidly. The agency has released a checklist for camp operators, outlining the need to track measles immunity status to quickly identify individuals who may require vaccination or antibody injections in the event of an outbreak.

The American Camp Association has also emphasized the importance of considering the risks associated with allowing unvaccinated campers and staff. Camps are advised to stock up on face masks and prepare isolation spaces to separate sick campers in the event of an outbreak.

The CDC’s recommendations come as confirmed measles cases in 2025 have already reached 1,197 infections, approaching the record of 1,274 cases reported in 2019. This surge in cases marks a significant setback since the U.S. declared the elimination of uncontrolled community spread of measles in 2000 through widespread vaccination efforts.

The current wave of measles outbreaks is proving to be deadlier than previous outbreaks, with health officials attributing the increase in fatalities to missed infections that have gone unreported. In response to the 2019 outbreaks, New York tightened its vaccination requirements for summer camps, leading to the removal of religious exemptions from measles vaccination requirements for schools and child care programs.

Of the confirmed measles cases in 2025, approximately two-thirds have been in children or teens, with many linked to local outbreaks within the U.S., particularly in Texas and neighboring states. While new cases in Texas have slowed, recent CDC data suggests a resurgence in measles infections nationwide, prompting the agency to issue heightened warnings about the risks of measles transmission during travel.

As summer camps gear up for the season, the focus on measles immunity documentation and preventive measures is crucial in safeguarding the health and well-being of campers, staff, and volunteers. By prioritizing vaccination and infection documentation, camps can play a vital role in preventing the spread of measles and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all participants.