What's happened
An eighth measles case has been identified in Greenville, linked to ongoing outbreaks in Spartanburg. Low vaccination rates and rising exemptions are fueling community transmission, with US cases reaching a 33-year high. Public health officials emphasize vaccination to contain the spread.
What's behind the headline?
Active community transmission indicates that measles is spreading undetected in parts of South Carolina, despite high vaccination coverage in some areas. The outbreak underscores the dangers of declining immunization rates, which have fallen below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. The rise in religious exemptions, especially in Spartanburg, is a key factor. The US's overall vaccination coverage has dropped to 92.5%, the lowest since 2019, with vaccine skepticism fueled by misinformation and political figures advocating for breaking up combined MMR vaccines. This trend will likely lead to more outbreaks, increased strain on public health resources, and preventable deaths. The situation demonstrates the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and combating misinformation to prevent further resurgence of measles.
What the papers say
The articles from Ars Technica and AP News provide a comprehensive overview of the outbreak, emphasizing the link between low vaccination rates and community transmission. Ars Technica highlights the specifics of the South Carolina cases, including the low immunization rates and rising exemptions, while AP News discusses the broader national context, including declining vaccination coverage and political debates around vaccine policies. Both sources agree that vaccine hesitancy and exemptions are major drivers of the current surge, with Ars Technica noting the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine and the risks posed by unvaccinated populations. AP News adds that political figures have recently supported breaking up the MMR vaccine, despite expert advice, which could further undermine vaccination efforts. The contrast lies in Ars Technica's focus on regional data and public health implications, versus AP News's emphasis on national trends and political influences.
How we got here
Recent measles outbreaks in South Carolina highlight declining vaccination rates amid rising vaccine exemptions. The outbreak began in Spartanburg, where low immunization coverage and high religious exemptions have contributed to community transmission. The US has seen a resurgence of measles, reversing decades of progress, partly due to vaccine skepticism and misinformation.
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Common question
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Why Are Measles Cases Rising in the US?
Recent outbreaks of measles across parts of the US, including South Carolina, have raised concerns about declining vaccination rates and increasing exemptions. Many people are asking why these outbreaks are happening now and what can be done to stop them. In this page, we’ll explore the reasons behind the rise in measles cases, the role of vaccination, and what communities can do to protect themselves.
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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.