A growing measles outbreak in South Carolina has reached 16 confirmed cases, with a concerning rise in new infections among students in schools with alarmingly low vaccination rates, state health officials reported on October 14. The outbreak, which began in the Upstate region of the state earlier in the month, highlights the persistent dangers of declining vaccination coverage and the rapid spread of this highly contagious virus in communities with insufficient immunization.
Measles Outbreak in Spartanburg County Grows
The outbreak has been concentrated primarily in Spartanburg County, where the first cases were identified. As of October 14, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed that the outbreak has expanded to include new cases from two local schools: Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary School.
Global Academy, a K-5th-grade charter school with over 600 students, is particularly concerning. According to state health data for the 2024-25 school year, just 17% of the students at Global Academy were vaccinated, a figure far below the 95% threshold needed to maintain herd immunity and prevent outbreaks. This low vaccination rate has left the school vulnerable to measles transmission, with multiple students now confirmed to have been infected.
Fairforest Elementary, a public school with more than 760 students, has seen better immunization coverage, with 85% of students vaccinated. While this figure is above the state’s average, it still falls short of the critical 95% mark, making the school susceptible to outbreaks, especially in the context of the current measles resurgence.
As of the latest update, more than 140 students at these schools have been quarantined at home due to exposure to the virus. The quarantines are a preventive measure to limit further spread, but the increasing number of cases serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with low vaccination rates in schools.
Declining Vaccination Rates Contributing to Widespread Outbreaks
The resurgence of measles in South Carolina is part of a broader national trend. Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. This meant that there were no widespread cases of the disease in the country, and any new infections typically resulted from travel-related exposure. However, in recent years, vaccination rates have declined, and the number of unvaccinated children has steadily risen, allowing the virus to make a dangerous comeback.
In 2025, the U.S. has seen a sharp increase in measles cases, with over 1,500 confirmed infections as of mid-October. The majority of these cases are connected to large outbreaks, including one in West Texas, which led to 1,000 confirmed cases and three fatalities. As of now, 44 measles outbreaks have been reported across the nation in 2025. About 87% of these cases are related to outbreaks, highlighting the critical role that vaccination rates play in curbing the spread of the virus.
The outbreak in South Carolina comes at a time when the nation is grappling with a public health crisis driven by vaccine hesitancy and exemptions. School vaccination requirements are under increasing scrutiny, with some parents opting to bypass immunizations due to fears, misinformation, or religious and philosophical beliefs. These actions have left vulnerable populations, particularly infants who are too young to be vaccinated and children with weakened immune systems, at greater risk of preventable diseases like measles.
What Is Measles and Why Is It Dangerous?
Measles is a viral illness that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus is incredibly contagious—if one person has measles, 90% of those who are unvaccinated and exposed to the virus will become infected. The virus can also remain active in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, making it easy to transmit in public places, including schools.
The symptoms of measles typically appear 7-14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a characteristic red, blotchy rash. The rash usually begins on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body. In some cases, measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 5 children who contract measles will require hospitalization due to complications, and 1 in 20 will develop pneumonia, which is the leading cause of death in children with measles. Encephalitis, a potentially fatal brain infection, occurs in about 1 in 1,000 children with measles and can result in long-term neurological damage, including deafness or intellectual disabilities. While rare, death from respiratory or neurological complications can occur in 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children who contract the disease.
The Importance of Vaccination in Preventing Measles
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and protect vulnerable populations. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, providing 97% protection against measles after two doses. The first dose is typically administered at 12-15 months of age, with a second dose given between ages 4 and 6.
Despite the proven effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, vaccination rates in certain areas have stagnated or declined. This has allowed outbreaks like the one in South Carolina to spread. Experts recommend that at least 95% of a community’s population be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated—such as infants, pregnant women, or individuals with compromised immune systems—from being exposed to the virus.
The South Carolina Response: Free Vaccinations and Public Awareness
In response to the rising number of measles cases, health officials in South Carolina are taking action. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is offering free vaccinations to anyone who needs them, with an emphasis on school-aged children. These efforts are aimed at raising vaccination rates in affected areas and preventing further transmission.
Officials have also warned that the number of measles cases suggests “unrecognized community transmission,” meaning that the virus is circulating in areas beyond just the schools. This increases the risk of further spread in the community, especially as students return home from school and interact with others.
As the outbreak continues to evolve, public health experts are urging parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated and to consider vaccinating if they haven’t already. The CDC and DHEC are working to increase awareness about the importance of immunization and the dangers of opting out of vaccines, particularly in the face of a highly contagious disease like measles.
Conclusion: Vaccination Is Key to Preventing Future Outbreaks
The current measles outbreak in South Carolina is a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of preventable diseases. With the number of cases on the rise, it’s crucial for parents to stay informed about the risks of measles and the importance of immunization. By ensuring that children receive the MMR vaccine on time and maintaining high vaccination rates across communities, we can prevent the further spread of this dangerous disease.
As the outbreak continues to unfold, state and local health departments must work together to increase vaccination rates, provide free vaccines, and raise awareness about the ongoing threat of measles. Only through concerted efforts can we protect our communities from the devastating consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles.
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