Measles Outbreak in South Carolina Surpasses Texas 2025 Outbreak
A devastating measles outbreak has gripped South Carolina, leaving a trail of illness and hospitalizations in its wake. The latest data reveals that the Palmetto State's outbreak has surpassed the number of cases linked to a 2025 Texas outbreak, sparking concerns about vaccination rates and public health measures.South Carolina Outbreak Surpasses Texas 2025 Outbreak
According to state data, South Carolina has recorded nearly 800 measles cases in its ongoing outbreak, surpassing the number of cases linked to a 2025 Texas outbreak. The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported that the outbreak, which began in October, has grown to 789 cases, an increase of 89 since Friday.
Most Affected Patients Not Vaccinated
A staggering 88% of the cases in South Carolina are in children under the age of 17. The department said that most of the affected patients were not vaccinated, with only 20 receiving the full two-dose vaccine. Over 690 people were not vaccinated at all, and 14 had received only the first dose of the series.
Public Exposure Sites Identified
The department identified several public exposure sites, including stores and a state museum. Twenty area schools had students in quarantine, while an additional three schools have reported exposures but have not yet determined how many students need to be quarantined.
Comparison with 2025 Texas Outbreak
The South Carolina outbreak is now larger than the West Texas outbreak that began in January 2025, which sickened 762 people. Two young children died and 99 people were hospitalized during the Texas outbreak.
National Trends and Concerns
The United States saw a significant increase in measles cases in 2025, with over 2,200 reported nationwide. As of Friday, the nation has recorded over 400 measles cases in 2026, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As the South Carolina outbreak continues to grow, public health officials are sounding the alarm about the importance of vaccination rates and measures to prevent further spread. The nation's recent trend of increasing measles cases serves as a stark reminder of the need for collective action to protect public health.
