Measles cases surge in South Carolina as US risks losing elimination status
BBC • • health
Key Points:
- South Carolina has reported 88 new measles cases recently, bringing the total to 646 infections since October, with over 500 people quarantined after exposure, mainly centered in Spartanburg.
- The outbreak has spread to two universities, Clemson and Anderson, where dozens of students are quarantined, highlighting the rapid transmission of this highly contagious disease.
- The US risks losing its measles elimination status due to rising cases linked to anti-vaccine sentiments, with vaccination rates in Spartanburg County at about 90%, below the 95% needed for herd immunity.
- Measles can cause severe complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling, and while no specific treatment exists, two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective at prevention
