South Carolina’s Measles Outbreak Declared Over

State health officials announced on Monday that the measles outbreak in South Carolina, which was the most severe in the U.S. in over 35 years, has officially ended.

On Sunday, the state reached a notable milestone of 42 consecutive days without new cases related to the outbreak. Since October, a total of 997 individuals have been affected by this vaccine-preventable disease, with at least 21 requiring hospitalization, according to voluntary reports. The state’s response to this outbreak is estimated to have cost $2.1 million.

Dr. Edward Simmer, the interim director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health, pointed out that the outbreak was largely confined to a specific area within a single county and never escalated to a statewide crisis. He credited the effective investigations, prompt identification of exposed individuals, and people’s willingness to stay home for helping contain the situation.

Measles is known to be one of the most contagious viruses. While most individuals recover from its symptoms—such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash—some, particularly very young children or those with weakened immune systems, can develop severe complications like pneumonia or even die. Moreover, measles can lead to long-term health problems later in life for those who do recover. Thankfully, the vaccine is both safe and highly effective, showing a 97% success rate after two doses.

Vaccination Rates Increased During Outbreak

The outbreak, which began in northwestern Spartanburg County, was recognized as the fastest-growing measles crisis in decades, with over 650 confirmed cases reported in January alone. This outbreak surpassed the one in West Texas in 2025 that impacted at least 762 individuals and resulted in the deaths of two children.

A rapid decline in cases, sooner than anticipated, was met with relief from healthcare professionals. Dr. Brannon Traxler, the chief medical officer for the state health department, suggested several factors may have contributed to the downturn, including the possibility that as more people fell ill, there was also an uptick in vaccinations.

Initially, vaccination efforts lagged, but by the end of March, nearly 82,000 measles vaccines were administered—marking a more than 30% increase over the previous year. Spartanburg County alone experienced a 94% rise in vaccination rates.

The public health department actively worked to mitigate further spread, issuing about 2,300 quarantine letters, conducting more than 1,670 case investigations, and collaborating with seven school districts to quarantine 874 students.

Continued Concerns About Measles Nationally

Despite the positive news in South Carolina, measles continues to pose a threat across the country. This year alone, the U.S. has reported 1,792 cases, which is nearly 80% of the record total from 2025, along with 22 new outbreaks. Florida has documented 134 cases, and Texas has seen 180 cases, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of particular concern is an outbreak that began along the Arizona-Utah border, which has since spread considerably throughout Utah, with 607 reported illnesses since August. Mohave County in Arizona has also confirmed 282 cases. Research presented at a CDC conference suggested that the outbreak’s onset might have been earlier and larger than initially estimated.

While the growth in cases has slowed somewhat, experts like Dr. Ellie Brownstein, a pediatrician and president-elect of the Utah chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, warned that it’s premature to declare the crisis resolved. She noted how the virus has spread widely within the state, with 258 cases in southwestern Utah alone, and all 13 local health districts showing infections.

Ongoing Vigilance in South Carolina

The conclusion of the outbreak in South Carolina only offers a brief respite for health workers. Recently, a case linked to international travel in Saluda County resulted in 41 individuals being quarantined.

Dr. Traxler emphasized the importance of continued caution, stating that those still susceptible to the virus should remain vigilant. The outbreaks across the Americas have surged since a significant crisis in Canada began in fall 2024, and vaccination rates among children in the U.S. have been declining as more parents opt out of required school immunizations.

Dr. Martha Edwards, president of the South Carolina chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, expressed her mixed feelings about the end of the outbreak: gratitude for its resolution, but also anger that many children and their families faced the fear and risk of a preventable disease.