The measles outbreak in South Carolina has surged to 789 cases, surpassing last year’s West Texas outbreak that affected 762 people and claimed the lives of two young girls.
Outbreak Concentrated in Spartanburg County
Most cases remain in Spartanburg County, largely among unvaccinated individuals or those unsure of their vaccination status, the South Carolina Department of Public Health reported. Since Friday, 89 new cases have been confirmed, signaling the outbreak is far from under control.
Currently, 557 people are under a 21-day quarantine.
Spread Beyond State Borders
By January, cases linked to South Carolina were reported in California, North Carolina, Washington, and several probable cases in Ohio.
North Carolina health officials are monitoring vulnerable areas near the South Carolina border. State epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore highlighted the risk due to frequent travel between the states. North Carolina has confirmed 14 cases, some directly tied to the South Carolina outbreak.
School-Linked Quarantines in North Carolina
Union County, North Carolina, has quarantined over 170 people connected to Shining Light Baptist Academy, a private school with children as young as six weeks old. The quarantine stems from an unvaccinated child who contracted measles and attended school while contagious.
Only 60.1% of students at the academy are vaccinated against measles. Dr. Deborah Greenhouse, pediatrician and former president of the South Carolina chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, warned that low vaccination rates create a “tinderbox” for measles outbreaks.
Impact and Response
Most patients are children and teenagers. At least 23 schools in South Carolina currently have students in quarantine. The outbreak began in late September and escalated during the holidays.
Health experts warn the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status if the virus circulates for a full year. CDC principal deputy director Dr. Ralph Abraham downplayed the risk, citing personal freedom for unvaccinated communities.
In 2025, the U.S. recorded 2,255 measles cases, the highest since 1991. So far in January, 416 cases have been confirmed, with 93% of patients unvaccinated.
