Full Breakdown
South Carolina’s Measles Outbreak Ends After Nearly 1,000 Cases
4/28/2026, 10:14:21 AM
Outbreak Declared Over
State health officials announced Monday that South Carolina’s measles outbreak, which began in October 2025, is over after 42 days without new cases. The outbreak sickened 997 people, caused 21 hospitalizations, and cost an estimated $2.1 million.
Background
The outbreak centered in northwestern Spartanburg County, where a close-knit evangelical Slavic community had low immunization rates. School-age coverage fell to 89 % this year, down from 94 % in 2021-22, below the ~95 % herd-immunity threshold. Declining childhood vaccination rates have been noted nationwide.
Key Figures
Key public-health leaders were Dr. Edward Simmer, interim director of the South Carolina Department of Public Health; Dr. Brannon Traxler, chief medical officer; and Dr. Martha Edwards, president of the South Carolina chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Local clinics, pharmacies and school districts also aided vaccination and quarantine.
Data and Response
- 997 confirmed cases, 21 hospitalizations; >2,300 quarantine letters, 1,670+ investigation calls, 874 students quarantined across seven districts.
- Vaccination effort: nearly 82,000 MMR doses statewide (30 % YoY increase); Spartanburg County saw a 94 % rise and ~4,000 extra doses. Outbreak response cost $2.1 million.
The outbreak peaked with more than 650 cases in January, the fastest-growing surge in decades.
Official Statements & Responses
SCDPH said rapid case identification, targeted quarantine and community cooperation limited spread to one county. The CDC tracks national measles activity, reporting 1,792 cases across 22 U.S. outbreaks in 2026. International health officials will review U.S. measles-elimination status in November.
Criticism & Opposition
Pediatric leaders warned that declining vaccine uptake lets preventable disease persist. Dr. Martha Edwards cited parental choices endangering children, while national pediatric voices said vaccine hesitancy threatens public-health gains.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The outbreak was predominantly contained to one area of one county and never went statewide, thanks to timely investigations, identification of those exposed, and people’s willingness to stay home,” — Dr. Edward Simmer, interim director, SCDPH
- “To some extent, it’s possible that the outbreak waned as more people got sick, she said, but more people also got vaccinated.” — Dr. Brannon Traxler, chief medical officer, SCDPH
- “I’m angry that many children and their parents had to worry about contracting or suffering through a disease that should have been nearly 100% preventable,” — Dr. Martha Edwards, president, South Carolina AAP
- “It has marched through the state and is everywhere,” — Dr. Ellie Brownstein, pediatrician, president-elect, Utah AAP chapter
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on vaccination totals: NBC cites 82,000 statewide MMR doses, while The New York Times reports ~4,000 extra doses in Spartanburg County. Both are correct for different scopes, highlighting inconsistent reporting.
What’s Next
South Carolina will keep heightened surveillance after a travel-related case in Saluda County led to 41 quarantines. A November review by international health officials will decide if the U.S. retains its measles-elimination status, shaping future vaccination policy.
