South Carolina is currently facing an alarming increase in measles cases, attributed to post-Thanksgiving travel and a significant lack of vaccinations, according to state epidemiologist Linda Bell from the Department of Public Health (DPH). The outbreak, which has been traced to a church in the northwest region of the state known as Upstate, has resulted in 111 reported cases, with 105 of those being unvaccinated individuals and three having received only partial vaccination.
As of Tuesday, authorities have placed 254 individuals under quarantine, with 16 in isolation, in an effort to contain the outbreak. Since Friday alone, 27 new cases have been reported, bringing the year’s total to 114. Bell emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the term “accelerating” aptly describes the spike in cases, while noting that South Carolina’s vaccination coverage is “lower than hoped for.”
A recent surge in cases is notably linked to the Way of Truth Church in Inman, which has cooperated with health officials in their response efforts. This outbreak reflects a broader national crisis, with at least 1,912 cases reported across 42 states, predominantly among children.
In South Carolina specifically, the outbreak has seen 20 cases among children under five and 75 among those aged five to 17. Notably, the vaccination rate for students required to have vaccines for school has dropped from nearly 96% in 2020 to 93.5% in the 2025 school year, raising concerns among public health officials.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can infect up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to it. Symptoms often develop four days before a rash appears, with the virus remaining airborne up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Although breakthrough cases may occur in vaccinated individuals, they are more common during large outbreaks due to increased exposure.
The U.S. had declared measles eliminated in 2000 following a sustained decline in cases, but this recent resurgence threatens that status, noted Bell, who highlighted the critical role of high vaccination rates in achieving that milestone. She urged the public to recognize the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing such outbreaks, emphasizing that increasing vaccination could prevent further spread of the disease.
The CDC notes that even minor declines in vaccination rates can drastically increase the risk of outbreaks. Current trends reveal a troubling decline in the national inoculation rate for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, a situation exacerbated by the pandemic and the spread of vaccine misinformation.
There is no specific treatment for measles, and the disease can result in serious complications, including pneumonia and death, particularly among children. Tragically, two girls died earlier this year following contracting measles in the West Texas outbreak, underlining the severe consequences of vaccine refusal.
Looking ahead, Bell anticipates continued transmission of measles in South Carolina for weeks to come, underlining that the situation could improve significantly if more individuals choose to get vaccinated. Public health officials are hopeful that increased awareness about the benefits of vaccination could change the current trajectory of this outbreak.