Health officials in South Carolina report an “accelerating” measles outbreak centered in the Upstate region (including Spartanburg and Greenville counties).
As of this week, 111 confirmed measles cases have been recorded.
The recent rise includes 27 new cases reported in just a few days.
🧍♂️ Quarantines & isolation
Over 250 people have been placed under 21-day quarantine after possible exposure — many of them schoolchildren.
At least 16 people with confirmed infection have been isolated to reduce transmission.
🦠 Why it’s spreading
The majority of cases are in unvaccinated people — about 105 of 111 cases — and a few are partially vaccinated.
Officials point to low local vaccination coverage and holiday travel / gatherings as major contributors.
Local measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination rates have dipped below the level needed for “herd immunity.”
🧒 Children especially affected
Dozens of cases are among young people — including children under 5 and those aged 5–17.
🇺🇸 Broader U.S. context
This outbreak is part of a national resurgence of measles in 2025, with nearly 2,000 cases reported across more than 40 states this year.
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but health officials warn that continued transmission could jeopardize that status.
Other significant outbreaks are occurring in the Utah-Arizona region as well.
🧪 Public health response
South Carolina health authorities have deployed mobile vaccination clinics, but uptake has so far been limited.
Public health leaders emphasize that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective and the best tool to stop further spread.