South Carolina has surpassed Texas in the number of measles cases reported, with a total of 789 cases as of January 27. This marks a dramatic acceleration in the outbreak, which began in October and saw a significant jump in cases from 218 on December 28 to nearly 800 just over three weeks later.
The outbreak is alarming, with Texas having reported 762 cases last year, the highest number since measles was declared eliminated from the US in 2000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a national total of 416 cases since the start of the year, but this figure may not reflect the latest developments.
South Carolina's uncontrolled spread of the disease is now threatening to push the country back towards losing its measles elimination status. With Texas's outbreak in 2025 spanning from January to August and affecting multiple states, the US saw a record number of cases with 2,255 confirmed cases, now South Carolina's ongoing outbreak is making it look like another record-breaking year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that measles can linger in an area for up to two hours after an infected person has been present. This makes containment difficult as the virus spreads through crowded spaces. In newly infected individuals, symptoms may not appear until 7-14 days after exposure but can persist for four days after a rash appears.
State officials have identified at least eight public places where measles exposures have occurred recently, including schools and public centers. To date, over 557 students are under quarantine but additional vulnerable people may have been exposed to the virus. Most of the infected individuals were either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against measles, with only two doses of the vaccine providing effective protection.
The spread of this highly contagious virus is a growing concern across the US and beyond, with multiple states now reporting cases. The lack of widespread vaccination has exacerbated the situation, highlighting the urgent need for increased public awareness about the importance of measles vaccinations.
The outbreak is alarming, with Texas having reported 762 cases last year, the highest number since measles was declared eliminated from the US in 2000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a national total of 416 cases since the start of the year, but this figure may not reflect the latest developments.
South Carolina's uncontrolled spread of the disease is now threatening to push the country back towards losing its measles elimination status. With Texas's outbreak in 2025 spanning from January to August and affecting multiple states, the US saw a record number of cases with 2,255 confirmed cases, now South Carolina's ongoing outbreak is making it look like another record-breaking year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that measles can linger in an area for up to two hours after an infected person has been present. This makes containment difficult as the virus spreads through crowded spaces. In newly infected individuals, symptoms may not appear until 7-14 days after exposure but can persist for four days after a rash appears.
State officials have identified at least eight public places where measles exposures have occurred recently, including schools and public centers. To date, over 557 students are under quarantine but additional vulnerable people may have been exposed to the virus. Most of the infected individuals were either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against measles, with only two doses of the vaccine providing effective protection.
The spread of this highly contagious virus is a growing concern across the US and beyond, with multiple states now reporting cases. The lack of widespread vaccination has exacerbated the situation, highlighting the urgent need for increased public awareness about the importance of measles vaccinations.