124 new measles cases in South Carolina, Arizona-Utah border outbreak grows
AP News • • health
Key Points:
- South Carolina has confirmed 124 new measles cases since Friday, with a total of 434 cases centered in Spartanburg County, marking one of the nation's worst outbreaks in recent times.
- A separate measles outbreak along the Arizona-Utah border has infected 418 people since August, with health officials expressing concern about potential undercounts.
- The U.S. experienced its worst measles spread since 1991 last year, with 2,144 cases across 44 states and three deaths, all among unvaccinated individuals.
- Measles is highly contagious but preventable through the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective after two doses and provides lifelong protection; however, vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the
