South Carolina Measles Outbreak Slows, But US Elimination Status at Risk | CDC Data & Updates

The recent measles outbreak in South Carolina, the largest the state has seen in over three decades, appears to be slowing, offering a glimmer of hope to public health officials and communities grappling with the highly contagious virus. While concerns remain about potential surges linked to spring break travel, data indicates a significant decline in new cases, particularly in the outbreak’s epicenter, Spartanburg County. This positive trend follows a period of intense public health intervention, including increased vaccination efforts and heightened awareness campaigns.

The outbreak, first identified in October 2025, quickly escalated, fueled by lower-than-average vaccination rates and close-knit community dynamics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been closely monitoring the situation, deploying personnel to assist state and local health departments in analyzing transmission patterns and strengthening containment strategies. The situation underscores the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles.

As of March 10, 2026, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reported a total of 993 confirmed measles cases, primarily concentrated in Spartanburg County. This figure is nearing the 1,000-case mark, but represents a notable decrease from the peak of around 200 new cases per week experienced in mid-January. Currently, approximately 10 new cases are being reported weekly, signaling a downward trend that health officials are cautiously optimistic about. The CDC has confirmed 1,281 measles cases across the country this year as of March 5, already surpassing half of the total cases reported in 2025, which numbered 2,283.

The Impact of Vaccination Efforts

A key factor in the slowing of the outbreak has been a significant increase in measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. In Spartanburg County, February 2026 saw a 133 percent increase in measles vaccinations compared to the same month in 2025, representing roughly 900 additional doses administered. Statewide, approximately 7,000 additional MMR vaccinations were given in February, a 70 percent increase year-over-year, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. These numbers demonstrate a clear response from the community to the growing threat of the virus.

The urgency of vaccination is underscored by the fact that 95 percent of reported cases in South Carolina (945 out of 990) have occurred in individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. This highlights the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles infection and the vulnerability of those who remain unprotected. The vast majority of infections have been among children under the age of 18.

Understanding the Risks and Transmission

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus, capable of remaining infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. A person is contagious four days before and after the appearance of a rash, meaning individuals can unknowingly spread the virus before they even realize they are sick. Symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by the characteristic measles rash. But, there is a lag between exposure and the onset of symptoms – typically one to two weeks – which contributes to the difficulty in controlling the spread.

Complications from measles can be severe, including pneumonia and, in rare cases, brain swelling, both of which have been documented in South Carolina during this outbreak. The CDC warns that measles outbreaks as large as this one are rare in the United States, and past comparisons are limited, making it challenging to predict the outbreak’s ultimate trajectory. The United States declared measles elimination in 2000, a status achieved when there was no continuous transmission of the virus within the country for longer than a year. However, the current outbreak, along with 12 others across the nation this year – including those in Arizona, Texas, and Utah – puts that status at risk.

CDC Support and Ongoing Monitoring

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the CDC has deployed three Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers to South Carolina to assist with on-the-ground response activities. These disease detectives will analyze outbreak data from both South and North Carolina, in collaboration with state and local officials, to identify transmission patterns and strengthen containment strategies. Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina’s state epidemiologist, stated that the team will also evaluate measles transmission patterns and school settings to improve future containment measures. The CDC’s specialized expertise in epidemiology and outbreak investigation is crucial in guiding targeted vaccination and prevention efforts.

The CDC’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics (CFA) developed three scenarios to inform preparedness and decision-making for the current outbreak. Throughout the outbreak, assessments consistently indicated that a larger outbreak, lasting at least six months, with some spread beyond the affected community, is the most likely outcome. Modeling highlights the role of population immunity, acquired through vaccination or measles infection, and connectivity with surrounding communities on outbreak size and duration.

Spring Break Concerns and Future Outlook

Despite the encouraging downward trend, health officials remain vigilant. Dr. Bell cautioned that the upcoming spring break season poses a potential risk for increased exposure as families travel and visit popular tourist destinations, such as Florida. “We remain concerned and must be mindful of the fact that we can see cases increase again from the low number that we’re seeing now,” she said in a March 4 press briefing. “We are very hopeful that the downward trend continues, but we have to be vigilant about the risk that we can see another surge.”

The outbreak initially began with a tiny number of cases in October and has been largely centered in Spartanburg County, where vaccination rates in schools are lower than the state average (88.9% compared to 93.7%). Social events during the winter holidays contributed to a surge in cases in January, and churches have also been identified as potential exposure sites. Health authorities will continue to issue notifications when investigations identify specific timeframes during which someone with measles may have been present in a public setting, emphasizing that the risk of exposure is limited to the announced dates and times.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health will continue to post measles updates twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, adjusting the frequency as needed based on disease activity. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and consult the DPH Recommendations for Measles Vaccination chart to determine if they need to be vaccinated. Further information and updates can be found on the DPH website.

The CDC also provides comprehensive information on measles, including symptoms, prevention, and outbreak updates, on its website. Visit the CDC’s measles page for the latest guidance.

The situation in South Carolina serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in protecting both individual and community health. While the current outbreak appears to be waning, continued vigilance and proactive vaccination efforts are essential to prevent future outbreaks and maintain the progress made towards measles elimination.

The next scheduled update from the South Carolina Department of Public Health is scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST. We encourage readers to share this information with their communities and to engage in respectful discussion about the importance of public health measures.