A measles outbreak in South Carolina is escalating, prompting neighboring North Carolina to report additional cases tied to this growing health concern. Over the weekend and late last week, South Carolina state officials confirmed 99 new measles infections associated with the ongoing outbreak, bringing the total number to 310 cases in the past six months. Currently, 200 state residents remain in quarantine.
The South Carolina Department of Health has issued a warning regarding the rapid spread of measles in unvaccinated households within the state. “Some cases are travel-related exposures or close contacts of known cases. Other cases have no identified source, suggesting that measles is circulating in the community and could spread further,” the department stated. This spread has been depicted as particularly swift in areas where vaccination rates are low.
The current outbreak is recognized as the second-largest in the United States, following the Utah-Arizona outbreak, which has reported 390 cases. Among South Carolina’s 310 cases, a significant majority—256 individuals—were unvaccinated. The demographic breakdown indicates that 206 cases were in children aged 5 to 17, 69 were in those younger than 5, and 29 involved adults. Numerous recent exposure sites include elementary schools.
North Carolina is closely monitoring the situation, with five measles cases reported since late December, four of which are linked to South Carolina’s Upstate region. Additionally, Mecklenburg County reported a surge in the measles virus in wastewater samples, although no direct cases have been identified in the county yet.
As this spotlight on measles continues, California has also reported its first cases of the year in the Bay Area, including an unvaccinated resident of San Mateo County. Health officials underscore that these cases will be a test for the region that boasts some of the highest vaccination rates and stringent laws regarding school immunizations.
The increasing cases across states serve as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks and protecting public health. As communities grapple with the resurgence of measles, proactive measures and vaccination awareness are crucial in curbing the spread and ensuring health safety for all.