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South Carolina Sees Largest Measles Outbreak in 20 Years

1/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

South Carolina's measles outbreak has reached 789 cases, the largest since the virus was eliminated in the U.S. over 20 years ago.
The state health department confirmed 89 new cases since Friday, with 18 individuals hospitalized but no fatalities reported.
Exposures occurred at three additional schools in Spartanburg County, adding to quarantines at 20 other schools.
Among the 729 infected individuals with known vaccination status, 695 were unvaccinated.
The outbreak raises concerns about the potential loss of the U.S.'s measles elimination status during a review by the Pan American Health Organization in April 2024.

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Story summary

South Carolina's measles outbreak has reached 789 cases, the largest since the virus was eliminated in the U.S. over 20 years ago.
The state health department confirmed 89 new cases since Friday, with 18 individuals hospitalized but no fatalities reported.
Exposures occurred at three additional schools in Spartanburg County, adding to quarantines at 20 other schools.
Among the 729 infected individuals with known vaccination status, 695 were unvaccinated.
The outbreak raises concerns about the potential loss of the U.S.'s measles elimination status during a review by the Pan American Health Organization in April 2024.