South Carolina's measles outbreak has taken a devastating turn, claiming the top spot as the largest in U.S. history since its eradication in 2000. According to recent data from the state health department, a staggering 789 cases of measles have been reported, surpassing all previous outbreaks.
The majority of these cases – over 600 in 2023 alone – have emerged in children under the age of 11, with infants and toddlers also significantly affected. An alarming 692 of those infected are unvaccinated, highlighting the urgent need for parents to ensure their children receive the necessary vaccinations.
Spartanburg County, with its large population of over 350,000, is particularly hard hit, accounting for nearly all reported cases – an astonishing 756 out of 789. The county's health officials have expressed concerns that the situation may worsen in the coming weeks.
As the measles outbreak continues to spread rapidly across the state, public health experts are sounding the alarm about the dangers of vaccination decline. Dr. Johnathon Elke of Prisma Health warned earlier this year that "we feel like we're really kind of staring over the edge, knowing that this is about to get a lot worse."
With nearly 88% of reported cases among unvaccinated individuals, it's clear that measles is no longer just a distant threat, but an immediate and tangible reality. As vaccination rates continue to dip, especially among school-age children, the risk of further outbreaks grows.
The data from this outbreak highlights a worrying trend: in 2019, childhood vaccinations against measles reached 95%, but by 2023, that number had fallen to just 92%. This decline is happening at an alarming rate, with the current outbreak spreading faster than the 2025 nationwide outbreak, which saw 2,255 confirmed cases.
The majority of these cases – over 600 in 2023 alone – have emerged in children under the age of 11, with infants and toddlers also significantly affected. An alarming 692 of those infected are unvaccinated, highlighting the urgent need for parents to ensure their children receive the necessary vaccinations.
Spartanburg County, with its large population of over 350,000, is particularly hard hit, accounting for nearly all reported cases – an astonishing 756 out of 789. The county's health officials have expressed concerns that the situation may worsen in the coming weeks.
As the measles outbreak continues to spread rapidly across the state, public health experts are sounding the alarm about the dangers of vaccination decline. Dr. Johnathon Elke of Prisma Health warned earlier this year that "we feel like we're really kind of staring over the edge, knowing that this is about to get a lot worse."
With nearly 88% of reported cases among unvaccinated individuals, it's clear that measles is no longer just a distant threat, but an immediate and tangible reality. As vaccination rates continue to dip, especially among school-age children, the risk of further outbreaks grows.
The data from this outbreak highlights a worrying trend: in 2019, childhood vaccinations against measles reached 95%, but by 2023, that number had fallen to just 92%. This decline is happening at an alarming rate, with the current outbreak spreading faster than the 2025 nationwide outbreak, which saw 2,255 confirmed cases.
Measles outbreak in SC is a wake-up call for parents. I remember when my kids were young and measles was almost non-existent. But now it's back and it's spreading fast. Unvaccinated kids are getting infected left and right... 692 unvax'd cases? That's crazy! 
We need to get our kids vaccinated ASAP, no questions asked. I'm not sure what's going on with these declining vaccination rates, but it's alarming. If we're not careful, this outbreak could turn into a bigger problem. Let's hope the health experts can find a way to stop it before things get out of hand 
I mean I know it can be inconvenient and stuff but the risk of measles is REAL 
600+ cases of kids under 11? That's crazy! And with 756 out of 789 in one county?! 
i mean i know vaccination rates have been declining and all but this is just getting out of hand 
. i'm seriously worried about the future of public health if we don't get vaccination rates back on track 
I'm shocked and concerned about this measles outbreak in SC! It's crazy how quickly it's spread, especially among kids under 11 
. I mean, I get it that some parents might have concerns or questions about vaccines, but not having them just because of fear? No thanks! 
. We need to step up our efforts to get more parents on board with vaccinating their kids ASAP 
. This is not just about individual health, but also about community protection 
. It's time for us to take action and protect our kids from this devastating disease 
!
and now ppl are sayin we're staring over the edge, it's like, what are we doin? 
. I mean, 789 cases?! That's crazy! And the worst part is that most of these cases are from unvaccinated kids under 11 
. I don't know how anyone can let their kid go around without getting vaccinated when it's literally a matter of life and death 
.
I'm so worried about this measles outbreak in South Carolina... it's like we're taking two steps back 
. It's scary, but we can do this! 
! 789 cases reported already and it's mostly affecting kids under 11 
. I'm so worried about all the unvaccinated babies 
and toddlers 
. We need to get vaccinated ASAP 
. The numbers are crazy - 692 infected people aren't even vaccinated! 
. We need to act fast and protect ourselves from this virus 
.
We need to take responsibility for our kids' health and make sure they get vaccinated 
. I mean, who wants to be around a bunch of sick kids running around with red spots on their faces? 
. I mean, over 600 cases of kids under 11? That's insane 
, and it's not like we haven't seen this before... but the fact that most of these kids are unvaccinated is just heartbreaking 
. I'm all for personal choice and stuff, but when it comes to vaccinations, can't people see how this affects the people around them? 
.
... just kidding! But seriously, it's crazy how a little decline in vaccinations can lead to a huge problem. I mean, 92% of kids getting vaccinated against measles in 2019 and now we're seeing cases piling up in 2025? That's like the plot twist from a bad medical drama 
!
I'm not gonna lie, it's freaking me out to see how many people (692 of them) aren't even vaccinated. We need to get our act together on this ASAP or we're gonna have a whole lot more problems down the line... 
