South Carolina measles outbreak ‘accelerating’ with hundreds of unvaccinated students now in second 21-day quarantine

A growing measles outbreak in South Carolina is being fueled by low vaccination rates and large gatherings, with health officials warning that transmission is likely to continue for weeks. As of Wednesday, 111 cases have been confirmed in the state’s northwest region, including Greenville and Spartanburg, with 27 new cases reported since Friday.

State epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said the recent spike is significant and linked to holiday events and suboptimal immunization coverage. In the 2024–2025 school year, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates were about 90% in Spartanburg County and 90.5% in neighboring Greenville County—below the 95% threshold typically needed to prevent outbreaks.

Most infections are tied to schools in Spartanburg County, where 254 people are currently quarantined for 21 days, the incubation period for measles. Officials have deployed mobile clinics offering MMR shots, but turnout has been limited. The two-dose vaccine provides about 97% protection and is usually given around a child’s first and fifth birthdays.

Nationally, the U.S. has recorded 1,912 measles cases and 47 outbreaks in 2025—nearly triple last year’s total. Other states with notable case counts include Arizona (176 cases) and Utah (115 cases). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 11–12% of measles patients require hospitalization. Three deaths and more than 200 hospitalizations have been reported nationwide this year.

Measles, described by the World Health Organization as highly contagious, spreads through the air and can linger for hours. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, white mouth spots, and a widespread rash. Health officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective way to curb the outbreak and prevent disruptions to schools and communities.

Source: INDEPENDENT