Measles outbreak in South Carolina

Developing StoryLast updated MAR 12
SUMMARY

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported two new measles cases on March 10, 2026, increasing the total to 993, with 42 people in quarantine and two in isolation. As of March 12, 2026, State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell warned against complacency despite a slowing spread, citing concerns about a potential surge due to increased spring break travel. The CDC is deploying "disease detectives" to assist with containment strategies, and three officers are expected to aid with data analysis the week of March 9. Of the 991 cases reported by March 6, 925 were unvaccinated, 26 fully vaccinated, 19 partially vaccinated, and 21 unknown. The state has spent an estimated $1.6 million on public health efforts, and February saw a 70% increase in vaccinations, with over 17,300 doses administered statewide.

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2026

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State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell stated on March 12, 2026, that the slowing spread of measles should not lead to complacency, particularly with spring break approaching. While case numbers have slowed, health officials remain concerned about a potential surge due to increased travel during school breaks. The CDC continues to deploy "disease detectives" to aid in containment strategies.

via scdhec.gov·scdhec.gov

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported two new measles cases since Friday, increasing the total to 993 as of March 10, 2026. Currently, 42 people are in quarantine and two are in isolation, with the latest quarantine period expected to end on April 2.

via wltx.com

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported one new measles case, bringing the outbreak total to 991 as of March 6, 2026. Of these cases, 925 are unvaccinated, 26 are fully vaccinated, 19 are partially vaccinated, and the vaccination status of 21 is unknown. Nationwide, 1,277 confirmed measles cases have been reported in 2026, with 1,281 total cases reported by 31 jurisdictions as of March 5, 2026.

via South Carolina Department of Public Health

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported one new measles case, bringing the total to 991. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is deploying three officers to assist with data analysis, expected the week of March 9. February saw a significant increase in vaccinations, with over 17,300 doses administered statewide, a 70% rise compared to February 2025.

via Health Care Dive·South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is deploying staff to South Carolina to assist in containing the state's measles outbreak, which has reached 990 cases as of March 3. Concurrently, the South Carolina Senate has advanced a bill that would prohibit vaccine mandates for children under two years old, despite existing optional vaccine policies. Health officials noted a 70% increase in vaccinations in February, potentially contributing to a slowdown in infections.

via southcarolinapublicradio.org

South Carolina has spent an estimated $1.6 million on public health efforts to combat its measles outbreak, which has reached 990 cases. The majority of the cost is attributed to personnel dedicated to investigating cases and tracing contacts. Funding for these efforts is sourced from the CDC and other state and federal entities.

via southcarolinapublichealth.org·postandcourier.com·postandcourier.com

South Carolina health officials reported five new measles cases as of March 3, 2026, bringing the total to 990. A new public exposure site was identified at Westgate Baptist Church in Spartanburg on February 22. Officials continue to emphasize vaccination as the most effective prevention method.

via SC Public Radio

Public health officials in Placer County, California, reported three confirmed measles cases believed to be linked to the South Carolina outbreak. These cases are connected to one family, with officials suspecting a fourth member may also be infected. The Placer County cases are thought to have resulted from exposure to an extended family member who recently traveled to South Carolina.

via CBS News·southcarolinapublicradio.org

As South Carolina grapples with a measles outbreak, groups associated with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are actively campaigning to eliminate immunization requirements for children. Health advocates warn that weakening vaccine mandates could lead to lower vaccination rates and increased illness. The CDC notes that measles is still prevalent globally and vaccination remains crucial.

via scdhec.gov·scdhec.gov

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported six new measles cases since Tuesday, bringing the total to 985. Public exposures have been identified at Sugar Ridge Elementary and a Costco on Blackstock Rd. in Spartanburg. Nationwide, 1,136 confirmed measles cases have been reported to the CDC since January 1.

via SC Public Radio

South Carolina's State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell stated that the measles outbreak, totaling 979 cases as of February 25, 2026, remains a "great concern" despite a downward trend in new infections. She cautioned that pockets of unvaccinated individuals and upcoming spring breaks pose risks for continued transmission, though the outbreak may end sooner than projected. The outbreak is centered in Spartanburg County and has resulted in 21 hospitalizations.

via The State·scpr.org

South Carolina's measles outbreak is showing signs of slowing down, with case counts similar to early December levels and only six new infections reported on February 24, 2026. State health officials express cautious optimism that the outbreak may end sooner than projected. The total number of cases has reached 979, with the majority concentrated in Spartanburg County.

via Healthbeat·CIDRAP·kffhealthnews.org

South Carolina's Department of Public Health reported 979 measles cases as of February 24, 2026, with a slowdown in new infections. The majority of cases (913) are among unvaccinated individuals, and 21 hospitalizations have been recorded since the outbreak began in October 2025. Currently, 91 people are in quarantine and one is in isolation.

via South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control·CIDRAP·propublica.org

Medical experts suggest that measles-related hospitalizations in South Carolina are significantly underreported because the state does not mandate hospitals to report these admissions. While official figures show 20 measles-related hospital admissions, experts believe this number is a substantial underestimate, contributing to the nation's largest measles outbreak since 2000.

via ProPublica·aha.org·wltx.com

South Carolina reported 11 new measles cases between February 18 and February 20, 2026, bringing the total outbreak count to 973. New public exposure sites have been identified in Spartanburg County, including Mabry Middle School, Spartanburg Community College's Giles Campus, and Costco. Nationally, the CDC confirmed 66 new measles infections, raising the US total for 2026 to 982.

via South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control·SC Public Radio·CIDRAP News

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported 11 new measles cases, bringing the total outbreak count to 973. New public exposure sites have been identified, including Mabry Middle School, two churches, a Costco, and a community college in Spartanburg. Currently, 105 people are in quarantine and seven are in isolation, with quarantine end dates extending to March 15.

via WLTX·CIDRAP·South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

The South Carolina measles outbreak has reached 789 cases in the Upstate, with 89 new cases reported since Friday, and has led to exposures in critical locations including hospital maternity units, and major employers like BMW and Michelin plants.

via dph.sc.gov·healthbeat.org

The South Carolina Department of Public Health announced on January 30 that the state's measles outbreak has reached 847 cases, with public exposure sites suggesting widespread community transmission.

via aha.org

Two measles cases were confirmed in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, with one adult contracting the illness through travel and an unvaccinated child through contact with an infected individual from Spartanburg, South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Public Health also reported that some measles cases have no identified source, indicating community circulation of the virus.

via vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com

As of January 22, 2026, the United States has reported 416 confirmed measles cases, with 413 originating from 14 jurisdictions, including South Carolina. The majority of these cases, 393, are associated with outbreaks that began in 2025.

via cdc.gov

At least 15 elementary, middle, and high schools have been impacted by the measles outbreak in South Carolina.

via aa.com.tr

The measles outbreak in South Carolina has reached 664 cases, and officials have confirmed the virus has also spread to Ohio and Washington state.

via theguardian.com

As of January 20, 538 people were in quarantine and 33 in isolation due to the outbreak. The ongoing spread has raised concerns that the United States may lose its measles elimination status.

via scdph.gov·cbsnews.com

The measles outbreak in South Carolina has surged to 646 cases and spread to Clemson University, with a confirmed case reported there. This rise in cases has led to concerns that the United States could lose its measles elimination status, and neighboring North Carolina has also reported linked cases.

via cbsnews.com·vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com·cidrap.umn.edu

The measles outbreak in South Carolina is intensifying with almost 100 new cases. Hospitals in the Lowcountry are implementing safety precautions like masking and visitor restrictions as flu cases rise.

via charlestoncitypaper.com

2025

5 updates

Story began · 5 months ago