Measles cases are rising rapidly in South Carolina, raising concerns that the United States could lose its long-held measles elimination status. Health officials have confirmed at least 88 new cases in recent days, bringing the state’s total to 646 infections since October.
The outbreak is now one of the most serious in the country and is placing heavy pressure on schools, universities, and public health systems.
Hundreds in Quarantine as Virus Spreads
State health authorities said that more than 500 people, including students and staff in 15 schools, are currently in quarantine after being exposed to the virus. The outbreak is mainly centred in Spartanburg, a northwestern town with a population of around 39,000.
The virus has also reached two major universities Clemson University and Anderson University where dozens of students have been ordered to isolate to prevent further spread.
Why Measles Is So Dangerous
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If someone who is not vaccinated comes into contact with the virus, there is a 90% chance they will become infected.
There is no specific treatment for measles. The illness can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, and even death, especially in young children and people with weak immune systems.
Falling Vaccination Rates Fuel the Outbreak
The US declared measles “eliminated” in 2000, meaning the disease was no longer spreading continuously in the country. However, that status is now under threat due to falling vaccination rates.
In Spartanburg County, where the outbreak is most severe, only about 90% of school-aged children are vaccinated against measles. For herd immunity to work—where enough people are immune to stop the disease from spreading about 95% of the population must be vaccinated.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) are 97% effective and are proven to be safe and reliable in preventing serious illness.
Worst Measles Year in Decades
The past 12 months have seen the largest measles outbreaks in the US in decades, with more than 2,000 cases nationwide. Texas alone reported over 700 infections in 2025, and three people died there.
States such as Utah and Arizona have also recorded hundreds of new cases in recent months, showing that the virus is spreading well beyond South Carolina.
Political Messaging Adds to Confusion
Public health experts have warned that mixed messages from political leaders are worsening the situation. US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has a history of vaccine scepticism, has at times supported the MMR vaccine but has also repeated unproven claims about its safety and promoted alternative treatments that lack scientific backing.
Health officials say such messaging may discourage people from getting vaccinated, making outbreaks harder to control.
What This Means for the US
If measles continues to spread at this pace, the US could officially lose its elimination status, which would mark a major setback in public health.
Experts say the solution is clear: higher vaccination coverage, better public awareness, and strong public health leadership are essential to stop the outbreak and protect vulnerable communities.