Health officials in South Carolina have reported 124 new cases of measles since Friday, marking a significant increase in outbreaks in the northwestern region of the state following the holiday season.
In another development, a separate outbreak at the Arizona-Utah border has led to 418 confirmed infections since August.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last year was particularly alarming, with the highest number of measles cases in the U.S. since 1991—2,144 cases across 44 states. Sadly, three individuals, all unvaccinated, lost their lives due to the infection.
Measles is an extremely contagious virus spread through the air via the respiratory droplets of an infected person. Once thought to be eliminated in the U.S. as of 2000 due to vaccination, the nation faces the risk of reversing these public health gains.
The virus initially infects the respiratory system and can then spread throughout the body, leading to symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash. While most children recover, complications can arise that may lead to severe health issues, including pneumonia, blindness, and even death.
The CDC considers an outbreak any situation with three or more linked cases of measles.
How many cases of measles are there in South Carolina?
As of Tuesday, South Carolina has documented 434 cases, primarily concentrated in Spartanburg County. The outbreak has escalated rapidly over the past month, making it the most severe in the country right now. Hundreds of children have been put into quarantine due to outbreaks in schools, with some experiencing multiple quarantines. Recently, a measles case was reported at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia.
The current figures could soon approach last year’s outbreak in Texas, which accounted for 762 cases and included two fatalities. Experts believe that these numbers may be understated.
How many measles cases are there in Utah and Arizona?
In the border towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona (collectively known as Short Creek), the outbreak continues to grow.
On Tuesday, Arizona health authorities confirmed nine new cases, pushing Mohave County’s total to 217. Utah authorities also reported two new cases, raising their total to 201.
Experts in both states express concern over the potential for underreporting.
“We did see a decline in cases, but after the holidays, they went up again,” remarked Nicole Witt from the Arizona Department of Health Services. “While we hope for an end to this outbreak soon, cases are still emerging at the same rate weekly.”
What should I know about the MMR vaccine?
The most effective way to prevent measles is to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The first dose is typically given to children between 12 and 15 months old, with a second dose recommended for those aged 4 to 6 years.
After both doses, the vaccine is about 97% effective against measles, and this protection is believed to be lifelong.
Measles is less likely to spread in communities with high vaccination rates—over 95%—due to “herd immunity.” However, after the pandemic, vaccination rates among children have noticeably dropped, and more parents are opting out of required vaccinations, citing religious beliefs or personal reasons.
