South Carolina Measles Outbreak Ends After 997 Cases, Largest in 35 Years
South Carolina officially ended a measles outbreak that infected 997 people since October, making it the largest outbreak in the United States in 35 years. The state passed 42 days with no new cases on Sunday, meeting the threshold to declare the outbreak over.
South Carolina health officials declared an end to the state's measles outbreak on Monday after 42 days passed without any new cases. The outbreak, centered in the upstate region, infected 997 people starting in October 2024.
This was the largest measles outbreak in the United States in 35 years. At least 21 people were hospitalized during the outbreak, according to state health records.
Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that spreads easily through the air when infected people cough or sneeze. Before vaccines were available, measles killed hundreds of children each year in the US.
The outbreak highlights concerns about declining vaccination rates in some communities. Measles requires very high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks because it spreads so easily.
Health officials used the 42-day threshold because it represents two full incubation periods for the virus, meaning enough time has passed to be confident no new cases will emerge from the outbreak.
This shows how quickly measles can spread when vaccination rates drop. Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications including brain damage and death, especially in young children.
Health officials will continue monitoring for any new measles cases and push vaccination efforts in affected areas.
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