Full Breakdown
South Carolina Faces Largest Measles Outbreak in Decades
2/14/2026, 7:01:23 AM
Overview of the Outbreak
As of February 13, 2026, South Carolina has reported a total of 950 confirmed measles cases, marking the largest outbreak in the state in over 30 years. The outbreak, which began in October 2025, has primarily affected the northwest region, including Greenville and Spartanburg. The South Carolina Department of Public Health has indicated that 95% of those infected are unvaccinated individuals, with a significant number of cases among minors under the age of 18.
Vaccination Rates and Public Health Response
The outbreak has prompted health officials to activate a Mobile Health Unit to provide free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations, with the first clinic scheduled for March 3. State epidemiologist Linda Bell noted a 72% increase in MMR vaccinations statewide in January, and a 162% increase in Spartanburg County compared to the previous year. Despite these positive trends, vaccination rates remain below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, with Spartanburg County's rate at 92.1%.
Impact on Communities and Schools
Local schools, particularly in Berkeley County, are preparing for potential impacts from the outbreak. Although no confirmed cases have been reported in Berkeley County, health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on vaccinations. If a measles case is confirmed in a school, unvaccinated students may be excluded from school activities for up to 21 days after exposure unless they receive the vaccine within 72 hours.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the rising vaccination rates, some community members remain hesitant about vaccinations. Governor Henry McMaster has emphasized personal choice regarding the MMR vaccine, stating, “We don’t want to mandate vaccinations; what we want to do is be sure people have all the information they need.” Critics argue that stronger leadership and clearer messaging about the importance of vaccinations are necessary to combat the outbreak effectively.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the South Carolina Department of Public Health has reported a recent decline in daily measles cases, officials caution that it is too early to determine if this indicates a true slowdown in the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that as of February 12, 910 confirmed measles cases were reported nationwide in 2026, with South Carolina accounting for a significant portion of these cases.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have had lower day-by-day counts of reported measles cases recently. That is potentially an indication that this could be slowing, but really, it is still too early to tell,” — Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist
- “Measles is one of the most contagious infections we know,” — Dr. Stephen Thacker, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist
- “The most important step is really to make sure that children receive the MMR vaccine,” — Dr. Stephen Thacker
Conclusion
The ongoing measles outbreak in South Carolina highlights the critical need for vaccination and public health awareness. As health officials work to control the spread of the virus, community engagement and education about the importance of immunization remain vital to preventing further outbreaks.
