South Carolina Department of Public Health Declares End of Measles Outbreak in Upstate Region
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has officially announced the end of the measles outbreak in the Upstate region, which saw a total of 997 confirmed cases starting in October 2025. The last confirmed case was reported on March 15, marking 42 consecutive days without new cases and indicating the end of the outbreak. The majority of cases, 932, involved unvaccinated individuals, with most infections occurring in children under 18 years old. Spartanburg County had the highest number of cases, accounting for 940 of them.
DPH Interim Director Dr. Edward Simmer commended the efforts of public health staff, healthcare workers, schools, and families in containing the outbreak and preventing it from escalating further. He stressed the importance of vaccination as the most effective defense against measles. The MMR vaccine, which is approximately 97% effective, is readily available at doctors' offices, pharmacies, and county health departments. Health officials will continue to monitor for measles and encourage families to consult with healthcare providers if their children are not vaccinated.
In conclusion, the measles outbreak in the Upstate region of South Carolina has been officially declared over by the Department of Public Health. With the cooperation of various stakeholders and the emphasis on vaccination, the outbreak was successfully contained. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases like measles.