South Carolina Sees Surge in Measles Cases
South Carolina is experiencing a significant increase in measles cases, with health officials reporting 99 new infections in just three days. This surge has seen the total number of cases rise to 310, largely affecting children. The outbreak began in Spartanburg County in October and has prompted serious public health responses.
Current outbreak status and response
The recent spike in measles cases has necessitated quarantines for approximately 200 individuals exposed to the virus. These individuals will remain in isolation for 21 days to prevent further spread. In light of the rising cases, health authorities have issued a statewide alert. They emphasized the crucial need for healthcare providers to remain vigilant and encouraged employers to grant time off for quarantined employees.
Measles Cases in North Carolina
Moreover, four cases have also been reported in North Carolina, all linked to recent visits to Spartanburg County. NC health officials have stated that, as of now, the virus has not spread further within the state.
Vaccination rates and concerns
Despite efforts to boost vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), significant unvaccinated populations remain. Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina’s state epidemiologist, mentioned that only two individuals with measles had been fully vaccinated, highlighting the ongoing risk. Approximately 90 percent of students in Spartanburg County had received mandatory childhood vaccinations during the 2024-25 school year. This figure slightly falls below national averages, and many local schools report vaccination rates below 90 percent.
National context and historical data
This rise in measles cases follows a disturbing trend, as 2025 was recorded as having over 2,100 measles infections in the U.S., the highest since 1991. The increased incidence in South Carolina raises concerns about the potential trajectory for 2026, with many fearing a continuation of the outbreak.
Noel Brewer, chair of the National Sustainability Committee for the Elimination of Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome, emphasized the severity of the situation. “Is 2026 the year that they go away, or the year that gets worse? That’s the big question,” he stated.
The future of measles outbreaks
With ongoing fluctuations in measles cases across various states, including a major outbreak near the Utah-Arizona border, public health officials are concentrating on increasing community immunity. Only through higher vaccination rates can such outbreaks be effectively mitigated.
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