Measles Outbreak in South Carolina Reaches 185 Cases Nationwide

US Measles Outbreak Reaches 185 Cases in South Carolina

A measles outbreak in the southern US state of South Carolina has grown to 185 cases, according to a recent update from state officials. This represents an increase of nine cases from earlier this week. The majority of those affected, 172 cases, have not received the recommended measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Four additional cases involve patients who were partially vaccinated, while four more have unknown vaccination status. One case is still under investigation. Notably, only one infection involved a fully vaccinated individual.

Measles was declared eliminated in the US over 25 years ago, but recent challenges have made it difficult to maintain this status. The disease is highly infectious and can be deadly, with an estimated nine out of every 10 people infected by someone carrying the virus.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant increase in measles cases in recent years. In 2025, the country saw its highest number of annual measles cases in over three decades. The CDC attributes this resurgence to vaccine hesitancy, which has led to a decline in vaccination rates.

According to CDC data, the MMR vaccination rate among kindergarteners in the US dropped from 95.2 percent in 2019-2020 to 92.7 percent in 2023-2024. This represents a decrease of 280,000 kindergarteners. The World Health Organization reports that for every 1,000 reported cases, there are approximately two to three deaths.

The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine before 15 months of age and their second dose by age six. Medical professionals generally consider the vaccine safe, but some critics have expressed concerns about its safety and efficacy.

Source: Al Jazeera