Measles Outbreak Spreads Across South Carolina, Cases Soar to 310.
South Carolina is grappling with a measles outbreak that continues to worsen by the day. According to recent reports, nearly 100 new cases have been confirmed just in the last three days, bringing the total number of cases to 310. The alarming rise in infections has left health officials scrambling to identify the source of the outbreak and contain its spread.
The epicenter of the outbreak is located in Spartanburg County, where vaccination rates are significantly lower than the state average. According to data released by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, only 90% of students in the county were fully vaccinated for the 2024-2025 school year – a far cry from the target rate of 95%. This significant disparity has likely contributed to the rapid spread of the disease.
The highly contagious nature of measles means that even brief exposure to an infected individual can result in infection. In fact, studies have shown that one measles case can lead to up to 20 new infections among unvaccinated contacts. The virus can linger in a room's airspace for up to two hours after an infected person has been present, increasing the risk of transmission.
Symptoms of measles typically develop seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, a distinctive rash that starts on the head and spreads downward, and four days before and after it appears. Complications can range from minor issues like ear infections and diarrhea to more severe conditions such as encephalitis, pneumonia, and even death.
In this latest outbreak, 99% of confirmed cases are in individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or have an unknown vaccination status – a stark reminder of the importance of immunity against measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported three confirmed cases of measles so far in 2024, with South Carolina accounting for two of them.
As the outbreak continues to spread, it's essential that residents take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from infection. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, and booster shots can provide lifelong protection against the virus. With ongoing outbreaks threatening the country's elimination status, it's crucial that we work together to stop this highly contagious disease in its tracks.
The CDC has also reported that in 2025, there were 2,144 confirmed cases of measles – the highest number since 1991 – resulting in three deaths, including two otherwise-healthy children. The country's elimination status is at risk due to ongoing outbreaks like this one in South Carolina.
South Carolina is grappling with a measles outbreak that continues to worsen by the day. According to recent reports, nearly 100 new cases have been confirmed just in the last three days, bringing the total number of cases to 310. The alarming rise in infections has left health officials scrambling to identify the source of the outbreak and contain its spread.
The epicenter of the outbreak is located in Spartanburg County, where vaccination rates are significantly lower than the state average. According to data released by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, only 90% of students in the county were fully vaccinated for the 2024-2025 school year – a far cry from the target rate of 95%. This significant disparity has likely contributed to the rapid spread of the disease.
The highly contagious nature of measles means that even brief exposure to an infected individual can result in infection. In fact, studies have shown that one measles case can lead to up to 20 new infections among unvaccinated contacts. The virus can linger in a room's airspace for up to two hours after an infected person has been present, increasing the risk of transmission.
Symptoms of measles typically develop seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, a distinctive rash that starts on the head and spreads downward, and four days before and after it appears. Complications can range from minor issues like ear infections and diarrhea to more severe conditions such as encephalitis, pneumonia, and even death.
In this latest outbreak, 99% of confirmed cases are in individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or have an unknown vaccination status – a stark reminder of the importance of immunity against measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported three confirmed cases of measles so far in 2024, with South Carolina accounting for two of them.
As the outbreak continues to spread, it's essential that residents take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from infection. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, and booster shots can provide lifelong protection against the virus. With ongoing outbreaks threatening the country's elimination status, it's crucial that we work together to stop this highly contagious disease in its tracks.
The CDC has also reported that in 2025, there were 2,144 confirmed cases of measles – the highest number since 1991 – resulting in three deaths, including two otherwise-healthy children. The country's elimination status is at risk due to ongoing outbreaks like this one in South Carolina.
This latest measles outbreak in SC is a total mess 
... Low vaccination rates in Spartanburg County are like, super obvious 
. It's not that hard to see the connection between low vax rates and high cases 
. We gotta get serious about prioritizing public health 
. The CDC needs to do more to support local efforts and provide resources to help boost vaccination numbers 
in South Carolina and it's a total nightmare! I'm so sick of people thinking vaccines are optional, I don't get why they're not mandatory if you wanna go out in public 
. It's not just the 100 new cases that are worrying, it's the fact that 99% of confirmed cases are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated... what's going on?! 
We need to wake up and take this seriously! 
Vaccination is the key, folks, so let's get our kids and ourselves vaccinated already! 
it's crazy how fast things can go from bad to worse with a measles outbreak like this in SC 
310 cases now and it's only been a few days... what's even more concerning is that most of the people infected aren't fully vaccinated 
20 new infections from just one case? That's just terrifying 
but for now, let's focus on getting those who are unvaccinated caught up on their shots ASAP 
gotta make sure we get vaccinated ASAP even if ur not from south carolina or any other country 
But seriously, this outbreak is a wake-up call for us all to take measles seriously and make sure our kids are vaccinated on time. Booster shots are key too! We need to support each other in getting vaccinated and protecting ourselves from this highly contagious disease.
90% of students in Spartanburg County weren't even fully vaccinated? 
What's the deal, folks?! 
the virus can spread so fast, even if you're exposed for just a sec 
like studies say one case can lead to up to 20 new ones 
. seriously though, if you're worried about getting infected, just wait till your friend gets the measles and then you'll be all "oh no, I got vaccinated" 
. on a more positive note, at least people are talking about measles again? 
. it's just common sense to get vaccinated and take care of ourselves.
. but at the same time, it's not like it's some new thing that's happening... we've seen outbreaks before, and we can stop them if everyone just gets vaccinated 
. measles is no joke, especially for young kids or people with weakened immune systems