Measles Outbreak in South Carolina Worsens, Threatening Another Year of High Cases
The US is bracing for another devastating year of measles cases as a growing outbreak in South Carolina continues to spread. The latest numbers show over 600 people infected since October, with hundreds more potentially exposed.
The situation is dire, particularly for the state's "upstate" region, where most of the cases have been reported. This is an alarming development, given that the measles virus is highly contagious and can linger in the air for hours after a person sneezes or coughs.
According to experts, the situation is not just limited to South Carolina. Across the US, vaccination levels have been steadily declining in recent years, coupled with the Trump administration's hostility toward vaccines. This has led to an increase in measles outbreaks, and it's likely that more cases will be reported in the coming months and years.
The West Texas outbreak, which began last year, was a significant driver of the 2025 measles surge in the US. While that outbreak has been officially declared over, many are concerned that another wave is on the horizon.
In South Carolina, the situation is grim. The state's health department reported an initial eight measles cases in October, and since then, the number has climbed to 646. Many of these cases have been unvaccinated children, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts.
Experts warn that without significant improvements in vaccination rates, the situation will only worsen. In fact, the state epidemiologist, Linda Bell, stated that the outbreak may be just the beginning, and potentially last for weeks or even months.
The lack of an antiviral drug to treat measles means that vaccination remains the best protection against the disease. Unfortunately, many states have dropped below a 95% vaccination rate threshold, which is necessary to protect communities against outbreaks.
As the situation in South Carolina continues to deteriorate, many are calling for increased vigilance and improved vaccination efforts. The only way to stem the tide of this outbreak is through community-wide vaccination efforts. Without it, another year of high measles cases may be on the horizon.
The US is bracing for another devastating year of measles cases as a growing outbreak in South Carolina continues to spread. The latest numbers show over 600 people infected since October, with hundreds more potentially exposed.
The situation is dire, particularly for the state's "upstate" region, where most of the cases have been reported. This is an alarming development, given that the measles virus is highly contagious and can linger in the air for hours after a person sneezes or coughs.
According to experts, the situation is not just limited to South Carolina. Across the US, vaccination levels have been steadily declining in recent years, coupled with the Trump administration's hostility toward vaccines. This has led to an increase in measles outbreaks, and it's likely that more cases will be reported in the coming months and years.
The West Texas outbreak, which began last year, was a significant driver of the 2025 measles surge in the US. While that outbreak has been officially declared over, many are concerned that another wave is on the horizon.
In South Carolina, the situation is grim. The state's health department reported an initial eight measles cases in October, and since then, the number has climbed to 646. Many of these cases have been unvaccinated children, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts.
Experts warn that without significant improvements in vaccination rates, the situation will only worsen. In fact, the state epidemiologist, Linda Bell, stated that the outbreak may be just the beginning, and potentially last for weeks or even months.
The lack of an antiviral drug to treat measles means that vaccination remains the best protection against the disease. Unfortunately, many states have dropped below a 95% vaccination rate threshold, which is necessary to protect communities against outbreaks.
As the situation in South Carolina continues to deteriorate, many are calling for increased vigilance and improved vaccination efforts. The only way to stem the tide of this outbreak is through community-wide vaccination efforts. Without it, another year of high measles cases may be on the horizon.
I'm getting really worried about this situation in South Carolina. Measles outbreaks are always super scary and the fact that there's been over 600 cases since October is insane 
. The more I read about it, the more I think we're running out of time to make a change. Vaccination rates have been declining for years and it's like we're playing catch-up. Can't believe some states are below a 95% vaccination rate threshold 
. We need to come together as a community and prioritize public health. It's not just about the people who haven't gotten vaccinated, but also about protecting those who can't get vaccinated, like immunocompromised individuals 
. We need to take this seriously and start making some real changes ASAP 
.
I'm getting super concerned about this measles outbreak in South Carolina. It's like, they're expecting another year of high cases? That's just scary! 
I know some people might think vaccines are a thing of the past or that they can't protect against the virus, but trust me, it's not that simple. Vaccines have saved so many lives and prevented so many outbreaks.
What's even crazier is that this is a total mess because most of these cases are from unvaccinated kids... like, come on parents! Get your kiddos vaccinated already 
It's not just about SC or West Texas anymore... it's about all of us. We need to come together and make vaccination a priority ASAP 
.
. We're talking 100% increase just since last month 
. Did you know in SC only 85% of kids have had their first dose 
! According to CDC, US measles cases were up by 500% in 2024 compared to the previous year 
. The West Texas outbreak was a major driver of this surge 
. I'm not surprised though, vaccine hesitancy has been on the rise for years 
!
I'm getting really worried about this new measles outbreak in South Carolina... 600+ people infected since Oct and hundreds more exposed? That's just crazy! 
It's not like we need an antiviral drug to treat measles or anything... vaccination is the only way to prevent this. And now experts are saying this outbreak might be just the beginning? 
We need to get those vaccine rates up ASAP or risk another year of high cases... this is just getting out of control 
. Like, what if some people get really scared or anxious about shots and decide not to vaccinate? We can't just force someone to take a shot, you know? And what about folks who've had measles before? Do they still need to get vaccinated? It's all a bit confusing for me 
.
And what's even worse is that most of these cases are coming from areas with low vaccination rates... it's a ticking time bomb!
. it's like, come on folks, we gotta step up our game here! increase those vaccination rates already! 
... when was the last time we had a good season without a big measles outbreak? It feels like forever! 
I remember watching news clips from 2020 and they were talking about how low the vaccination rate was in some areas. That's when I knew things were going downhill fast 
. Now, it's like we're back to square one 
. The thing is, this isn't just a South Carolina problem... measles is a global issue 
also, don't we have any antiviral meds for measles anymore? that would be super helpful! 
The lack of an antiviral drug is a major concern, but vaccination is still our best bet. Let's get organized and make some noise about this! 
and we know vaccines r the only way to stop it 
but some states r droppin below 95% vaccination rate which is a huge red flag 
so yeah community-wide vaccination efforts r key 
or else we might see another year of high cases 
especially with all those unvaccinated kids getting infected 
