What's happened
South Carolina's measles outbreak has grown to 310 cases, mainly in Spartanburg County, with cases spreading to North Carolina and Ohio. Low vaccination rates and holiday travel contributed to the surge. Authorities warn of ongoing risks and the need for increased immunization efforts.
What's behind the headline?
The current measles outbreak highlights persistent vulnerabilities in vaccination coverage, especially in pockets of low immunization. The spread beyond South Carolina underscores how holiday travel and gatherings amplify transmission risks. The outbreak's growth to 310 cases, with cases in neighboring states, signals a potential resurgence of a disease once considered eliminated in the U.S.
- The low vaccination rate in Spartanburg County, below the critical 95% threshold, directly correlates with the outbreak's severity.
- Public health responses, including quarantine and alerts, are necessary but may be insufficient without broader vaccination campaigns.
- The spread to North Carolina and Ohio indicates that the outbreak's impact extends beyond local boundaries, threatening national progress against measles.
This situation will likely worsen unless vaccination rates improve significantly. The ongoing outbreaks serve as a warning that complacency and vaccine hesitancy can reverse decades of progress in disease control. Authorities should prioritize targeted immunization efforts and public education to prevent further escalation.
What the papers say
The Ars Technica article by Beth Mole reports the latest case numbers and emphasizes the outbreak's concentration in Spartanburg County, noting the low vaccination rates and the virus's high infectivity. The New York Times provides context on the outbreak's spread, the impact of holiday travel, and the broader national trend of rising measles cases, highlighting the importance of vaccination coverage. The Independent and AP News detail the public health response, including quarantine measures and the potential for the outbreak to expand, stressing the significance of maintaining high immunization levels to prevent a resurgence of measles in the U.S.
How we got here
The outbreak began in Spartanburg County in October, driven by low vaccination coverage and public exposure. Despite efforts to increase immunizations, pockets of unvaccinated individuals remain, facilitating the virus's spread. The 2024-25 school year saw only 90% vaccination compliance in the area, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. The surge follows a nationwide trend of rising measles cases, with 2025 recording the highest number since 1991, partly due to vaccine hesitancy and gaps in coverage.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What’s Causing the Measles Outbreak in South Carolina?
A recent surge in measles cases in South Carolina has raised concerns nationwide. Low vaccination rates and holiday travel are fueling the spread, with cases now reaching neighboring states. Many are asking what’s behind this outbreak and what can be done to stop it. Below, we explore the causes, spread, and what parents and communities can do to protect themselves.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay informed with the latest headlines shaping our world today. From major political events to international conflicts, these stories are capturing attention and sparking conversations. Curious about what's happening now? Below, you'll find answers to common questions about today's top news stories, helping you understand the key details and their implications.
More on these topics
-
Measles (probably from Middle Dutch or Middle High German masel(e), meaning "blemish, blood blister") is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable infectious disease caused by measles virus. Other names include morbilli, rubeola, 9-day measles, red measles
-
South Carolina is a state in the Southeastern United States and the easternmost of the Deep South. It is bordered to the north by North Carolina, to the southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the southwest by Georgia across the Savannah River.
-
Oklahoma is a state in the South Central region of the United States, bordered by the state of Texas on the south and west, Kansas on the north, Missouri on the northeast, Arkansas on the east, New Mexico on the west, and Colorado on the northwest.
-
Texas is a state in the South Central Region of the United States. It is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population.
-
New Mexico is a state in the Southwestern region of the United States of America; its capital is Santa Fe, which was founded in 1610 as capital of Nuevo México, while its largest city is Albuquerque with its accompanying metropolitan area.
-
North Carolina is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. North Carolina is the 28th largest and 9th-most populous of the 50 United States.
-
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a national public health institute in the United States. It is a United States federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.