Fri Jan 02 20:56:21 UTC 2026: ## Measles Outbreak Grips South Carolina, Raising Concerns Over Vaccine Hesitancy

Columbia, SC – A significant measles outbreak in South Carolina has surged to 185 cases, officials announced Friday, highlighting a growing public health concern linked to declining vaccination rates. The outbreak follows a troubling trend, with the US recording its highest number of annual measles cases in over three decades in 2025.

State officials confirmed that 172 of the infected individuals were unvaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Only one reported case involved a fully vaccinated individual. This outbreak underscores the critical role of the MMR vaccine, which was instrumental in achieving measles elimination in the US in 2000 after a decades-long effort.

Measles, a highly contagious and potentially dangerous virus, was declared eliminated in the US over 25 years ago. However, 2025 saw a concerning resurgence, with 2,065 cases reported nationwide, the highest figure since 1991. Experts attribute the spike to rising vaccine hesitancy, fueled in part by misinformation and political rhetoric.

CDC data reveals a worrying drop in MMR vaccination rates among kindergarteners, falling from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 92.7% in 2023-2024. This decline represents a gap of approximately 280,000 children left vulnerable to the virus.

The current South Carolina outbreak is predominantly affecting children under 17 in the northwest region of the state. The situation has become a focal point in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, with Democratic candidate Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, campaigning on a platform centered around combating the outbreak.

The measles virus is known for its high infection rate, with the CDC estimating that a single infected person can spread the virus to nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals. Complications can be severe, particularly in children, including high fever, hearing or vision loss, and encephalitis.

Public health officials continue to emphasize the safety and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, urging parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated according to recommended schedules.

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