Record Measles Outbreak in South Carolina Ends After Nearly 1,000 Cases
South Carolina's record-breaking measles outbreak — the largest in decades with nearly 1,000 cases — has officially ended after more than 42 days without new cases. Vaccination efforts and public health measures helped control the outbreak, though measles cases remain elevated nationwide.
End of Major Outbreak
The measles outbreak in South Carolina — the largest the United States has had in decades — has ended, state health officials announced. There were nearly 1,000 confirmed cases over about six months, including at least 21 hospitalizations. No new cases associated with the outbreak have been reported in more than 42 days, marking two incubation periods – the time it would take to get sick after being exposed to the virus – without any transmission.
Vaccination Role
In South Carolina, tens of thousands of MMR vaccine doses were administered during the outbreak. Doses administered in Spartanburg County, the center of the outbreak, nearly doubled compared to the previous year, and there was a 31% jump statewide year-over-year. Doses administered to children under 4 had a particularly large spike.
Broader Context
The latest data from the CDC shows that 1,792 measles cases have already been reported in 2026, with dozens added each week. An outbreak that has been simmering along the Utah-Arizona state line for nearly a year has ballooned to more than 600 confirmed cases.
Response Success
Along with vaccination, aggressive contact tracing, case investigation and quarantine protocols helped control the outbreak. But the response cost the state about $2 million.