US Records Largest Measles Outbreak in Decades as South Carolina Cases Surge

After years of relative dormancy, a measles outbreak in South Carolina has rapidly grown into the largest recorded in the country since the disease was declared eliminated more than two decades ago. As of late January 2026, the South Carolina Department of Public Health reported 789 measles cases, bringing into question the measles elimination status that has been accepted for decades. More than 557 people in South Carolina have been quarantined in response to the outbreak, and at least 18 residents, including children, have been hospitalized with complications related to the infection. Most of the cases seem to be concentrated in Spartanburg County and the surrounding areas.

Measles is an extremely contagious virus that’s spread through respiratory droplets and airborne exposure. Symptoms typically include a high fever, conjunctivitis, and a rash. While those are certainly manageable, the danger is found in what measles can cause. Pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, especially among young children and those with weakened immune systems, are all aspects of the virus that officials are trying to avoid. Before widespread vaccination campaigns began in the 1960s, measles caused frequent epidemics worldwide and killed hundreds of thousands of people annually.

What does the rise in 2026 measles cases in the United States mean? Keep reading to find out.

Why This Outbreak Has Grown to Such Scale

According to public health experts, both in South Carolina and throughout the United States, declining vaccination rates are the primary reason for the surge. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is about 97 % effective after two doses, and maintaining high coverage, generally above the 95 % threshold, is critical to prevent sustained transmission. According to studies, MMR vaccination coverage has dipped in recent years, falling to roughly 92% of school-aged children by the mid-2020s. This decline in vaccination rates weakened herd immunity that had kept the measles virus at bay for decades.

In South Carolina, roughly 88% of measles patients were unvaccinated, a pattern that reflects national trends. CDC measles data from early 2026 shows measles cases in 14 states across multiple outbreaks, with more than 94 % of infections linked to unvaccinated or patients with an unknown vaccination status.

Broader Trends in the US and the Risk of Losing Elimination Status

The measles outbreak in South Carolina has garnered national attention due to its size, but the broader US picture remains a concern. Data published by the CDC shows that in addition to a nationwide uptick in cases in 2026, 2025 saw more than 2,200 positive measles cases, the highest total in more than 30 years. Those 2025 outbreaks spanned dozens of states and included large clusters in places such as Texas, which experienced 762 confirmed cases in an outbreak that lasted much of the year.

The resurgence of measles raises the possibility that the United States could lose its “measles elimination” status. The US achieved that status in 2000, when widespread immunization interrupted the endemic transmission of the virus. Losing this status would signal that measles is once again regularly circulating in US communities, a reality health officials had hoped to avoid.

Impact on Communities and Public Health Response

The impact of the South Carolina measles outbreak goes beyond positive cases and hospitalizations. Hundreds of residents have been quarantined to prevent further spread, disrupting schooling and work, while clinics and mobile vaccination units have been mobilized to increase access to MMR vaccine coverage. Schools, churches, and other communal settings have been focal points for public health interventions as officials work to trace contacts and protect vulnerable individuals.

There are also effects that reach beyond South Carolina, as cases have been reported in other areas. Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, has already confirmed multiple infections, indicating that the virus is moving beyond the borders of its original outbreak.

The Role of Vaccination and Public Health Messaging

Measles remains one of the most preventable viruses in the world today, due to the strength of the MMR vaccine. Public health agencies continue to emphasize that vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to broader community immunity that slows or stops outbreaks. According to the CDC, nearly all measles cases and outbreaks in recent years have occurred among people without documented vaccination.

Experts have also highlighted the importance of clear, concise communication that’s designed to counteract misinformation. Misunderstandings about vaccine safety and efficacy have led to persistent challenges for years. By providing scientifically sound data, the CDC and other health organizations hope to overcome these myths.

Containment and Prevention

Containing an airborne virus is virtually impossible, which the world saw to be true during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, health officials are optimistic about containing the measles outbreak of 2026 as much as possible. According to officials, containment is contingent on timely diagnoses and community cooperation.

Beyond that, rapid vaccinations have proven to be effective, especially on the heels of an outbreak. As the outbreak continues, monitoring of case counts, hospitalizations, and transmission patterns will shape response efforts, which will ideally lead to prevention.

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