Measles Outbreak in South Carolina Worsens
The New York Times••health
Key Points:
- South Carolina reported 99 new measles cases in three days, increasing the outbreak total to 310 people, mostly children, with 200 individuals quarantined due to exposure.
- The outbreak began in Spartanburg County in October and has prompted a statewide alert urging health providers to be vigilant and employers to support quarantine measures.
- Four measles cases were also identified in North Carolina among recent visitors to Spartanburg County, but no further spread has been detected there.
- Vaccination rates in Spartanburg County are around 90%, below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks, with many schools having even lower rates, contributing to ongoing transmission.
- The surge in South Carolina follows a record 2,100 measles cases
