South Carolina Declares End to Largest Measles Outbreak Since 1991: Lessons Learned and Future Strategies
South Carolina officials have officially declared an end to a nearly year-long measles outbreak, the largest since 1991. The outbreak, which consisted of 997 cases, primarily affected children 17 and under. No deaths were reported, but multiple people were hospitalized due to complications from measles. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) spent approximately $2.1 million fighting the outbreak, not including the broader financial impact on families and communities.
The outbreak began in September 2025 and was officially declared in the Upstate region in early October. Case counts gradually increased, with a significant spike during the holidays. The number of new cases peaked in early 2026, with 561 new cases identified in the first three weeks of the year. The outbreak gradually tapered off, with 95 new cases reported in late January and only 5 new cases in early March.
Most of the measles cases were concentrated in Spartanburg County, with the second-highest number reported in Greenville County. The outbreak affected 33 schools across seven school districts, leading to over 800 students being quarantined. Vaccine hesitancy was a contributing factor, with Spartanburg County having low MMR vaccination rates prior to the outbreak. Efforts to combat hesitancy included hosting free vaccination clinics and engaging with families to address concerns.
The outbreak highlighted the importance of vaccination and public health measures in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. State health officials are conducting an after-action review to assess the response to the outbreak and identify areas for improvement. Continued adherence to vaccination guidelines is crucial to prevent future outbreaks and protect communities from the reintroduction of measles.
In conclusion, the end of the measles outbreak in South Carolina marks a significant milestone in public health efforts to control infectious diseases. The response to the outbreak underscores the importance of vaccination and community engagement in preventing the spread of measles and other preventable diseases. By learning from this experience and implementing strategies to address vaccine hesitancy, health officials aim to safeguard the population against future outbreaks and promote overall public health and safety.