Measles Surge: South Carolina's Growing Outbreak and Vaccination Concerns

Outbreak Details

• Total Cases: 646
• New Cases: 88
• Quarantined Individuals: 538
• Isolated Individuals: 33
• Quarantine End Date: February 23

Affected Areas

• Primary Region: Upstate, particularly Spartanburg County
• Schools Affected: 15 (elementary, middle, and high schools)
• Universities on Alert:
• Clemson University
• Anderson University
• Students Quarantined: 88

Public Exposure Sites

• Publix in Duncan: January 16
• Food Lion in Inman: January 11 and 12

Health Recommendations

• CDC Vaccination Guidelines:
• First Dose: 12-15 months
• Second Dose: 4-6 years
• Effectiveness:
• 1 dose: 93%
• 2 doses: 97%

Vaccination Trends

• 2024-2025 School Year:
• Kindergarten MMR Vaccination Rate: 92.5%
• Decline from Previous Year: Slight decrease

• Pre-Pandemic Rates: Significantly higher

• National Vaccination Rates:
• High-Risk Areas: <60% of children under 5 vaccinated
• High-Vaccination Areas: ≥85% of children under 5 vaccinated

National Context

• Measles Elimination Status:
• Achieved in 2000

• At risk if continuous transmission is confirmed for 12 months

• 2023 Measles Cases:
• Total Cases: 2,242 (highest since 1992)

• States Affected: 44

• 2024 Measles Cases (So Far):
• Total Cases: 171
• States Affected: 9