At a Glance
- 20 new measles cases in South Carolina this week, raising the state total to 179.
- The U.S. has over 2,000 measles cases this year, 93% of which are among unvaccinated or unknown status.
- Transmission has been sustained since Jan. 20; if it continues, the country could lose its elimination status.
- Why it matters: It signals a return of measles to levels that threaten U.S. elimination status and highlights gaps in childhood vaccination.
South Carolina’s health department reports 20 new measles cases this week, bringing the state’s total to 179-more than the national total in several recent years. With over 2,000 U.S. cases and a 93% unvaccinated rate, the disease’s resurgence could end the country’s elimination status.
South Carolina Outbreak
Dr. Linda Bell said that measles transmission is ongoing in households, schools and churches, and that 287 people are being quarantined to help limit the spread. She also anticipates more cases well into January.
- 20 new cases reported this week
- 179 total cases for the year
- 287 people quarantined
- 3 cases unrelated to the Spartanburg County outbreak
National Context
The U.S. has over 2,000 measles cases this year, with 93% among unvaccinated or unknown status- the highest since the disease was declared eliminated 25 years ago. Transmission has been sustained since Jan. 20; elimination requires a full year without sustained spread. Canada lost its status in November.
| School Year | MMR Coverage |
|---|---|
| 2024-25 | <93% |
| 2019-20 | 95% |
- Decline in childhood vaccination rates
- Rise in vaccine exemptions
- 93% of cases among unvaccinated individuals
Other Outbreaks
West Texas reported 760 cases linked to an outbreak from January to August, centered in Gaines County where kindergartners had a 77% MMR coverage in 2024-25. Some families opted for unproven remedies. Two unvaccinated, school-aged children died in Lubbock, Texas, and an unvaccinated adult died in New Mexico. Arizona, Utah, and Washoe County, Nevada also saw cases, and airport exposure warnings were issued at Newark Liberty, Boston Logan, and Denver International.
Public Health Messaging
Concerns have risen over the federal messaging on vaccines since Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took office in February. He has called for the MMR shot but frames vaccination as a personal choice, emphasizes unproven treatments, and falsely claims that immunity from measles vaccines wanes quickly.
What You Need to Know
Common measles symptoms include a blotchy rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, pink or watery eyes, and white spots on the insides of the cheeks. Severe cases can progress to pneumonia or swelling of the brain. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left. Without immunity, about 9 in 10 exposed people will get it. State and county health departments continue to emphasize that vaccines are the best way to prevent the disease. Two shots are 97% effective and typically offer lifelong protection.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. measles outbreak is the most severe in 25 years, with over 2,000 cases and 93% unvaccinated.
- South Carolina leads with 179 cases and 287 people quarantined.
- Declining MMR coverage (<93%) threatens elimination status; higher vaccination rates are urgently needed.
The resurgence of measles underscores the urgent need for higher vaccination rates and clear public health guidance to protect communities and maintain the country’s elimination status.
