The measles outbreak in South Carolina has become the largest in the United States in over 20 years. As of now, there are 789 reported cases, surpassing last year’s significant outbreak in Texas, which had 762 cases. Sadly, two children died during that outbreak.
The situation in South Carolina is alarming. The outbreak began in October, and more than 600 cases have been reported this year alone. At least 18 individuals have been hospitalized due to serious complications from the disease. Thankfully, there haven’t been any fatalities yet.
Currently, around 557 people are under quarantine because they may have been exposed to measles and lack immunity from vaccination. Schools are a major concern, with new exposures reported at several institutions linked to 20 others already under quarantine.
The outbreak hasn’t stayed confined to South Carolina. Cases have also been traced to North Carolina and Washington. This rise in measles cases adds concern to the public health landscape. The disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, which means it had not spread continuously for over a year. However, in 2025 alone, there were over 2,200 confirmed cases, which is a sharp increase compared to the average of about 180 cases annually since elimination.
According to the CDC, as of early 2026, there were 416 confirmed cases in the U.S. This figure is expected to rise as the outbreak grows. At least 14 states have already reported cases this year, with another outbreak escalating along the Arizona-Utah border. The situation has raised fears that the U.S. could lose its elimination status, which could be a topic of discussion in the upcoming meeting of the Pan American Health Organization in April.
The Role of Vaccination
Vaccination has always been the key defense against measles. The measles vaccine was first made available in 1963, and the MMR vaccine became widely used in the 1970s. Despite past successes, vaccination rates have declined in some communities, especially in certain areas of South Carolina. In Spartanburg County, for instance, vaccination rates were around 90% last school year. Public health experts recommend a rate of at least 95% to prevent outbreaks.
Dr. Linda Bell, the State Epidemiologist, emphasized that the MMR vaccine is accessible and often free for families through government programs or insurance. Health officials encourage those who haven’t been vaccinated to seize this opportunity to protect themselves and their communities.
Expert Opinions and Public Response
Public health experts are worried about the implications of ongoing measles cases. Dr. Ralph Abraham, a senior official at the CDC, mentioned that communities with high numbers of unvaccinated individuals risk the re-emergence of infectious diseases. While he downplayed the potential impact of losing elimination status, he acknowledged that vaccination remains the best way to prevent measles.
Social media reactions highlight a mix of concern and misinformation regarding vaccinations. Many parents and concerned citizens are discussing the importance of vaccines on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, amplifying both support and skepticism.
Conclusion
As the outbreak continues to unfold, the focus remains on increasing vaccination rates to control the spread of measles. It’s imperative to stay informed and vigilant, as this disease poses serious risks, especially for vulnerable populations. By working together, communities can protect their health and well-being.
For more on vaccination data and preventative health measures, visit the CDC’s official site.
