South Carolina Declares End to Devastating Measles Outbreak That Sickened Nearly 1,000

April 28, 2026 - 04:32

South Carolina health officials have officially declared the state’s measles outbreak over, marking the end of a months-long public health crisis that infected nearly 1,000 people. The outbreak, which began in late 2023, became one of the largest measles outbreaks in the United States in recent years, overwhelming hospitals and straining local health departments.

The outbreak primarily spread through unvaccinated communities, with cases concentrated in several counties where vaccination rates had fallen below the threshold needed for herd immunity. Children under five years old and adults with compromised immune systems were hit hardest, with dozens requiring hospitalization for severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.

In response, state and local health authorities launched an aggressive vaccination campaign. Although measles vaccine uptake was slow at first, public health workers, doctors’ offices and pharmacies administered nearly 82,000 doses from October to March. Mobile clinics were deployed to rural areas, and community outreach teams worked to counter misinformation about vaccine safety. Schools and daycares also enforced stricter immunization requirements, temporarily excluding unvaccinated students during the peak of the outbreak.

Officials credited the vaccination push and increased public awareness for finally halting transmission. The last confirmed case was reported more than six weeks ago, meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s criteria for declaring an outbreak over. However, health experts warn that the state remains vulnerable to future outbreaks if vaccination rates do not improve. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control continues to urge all residents to stay up to date on routine immunizations.