Home / Health / Measles Outbreak Spreads From SC to NC and Beyond
Measles Outbreak Spreads From SC to NC and Beyond
17 Jan
Summary
- Measles outbreak originated in Spartanburg, SC, spreading to NC, Ohio, and Washington.
- Most cases confirmed in unvaccinated individuals, highlighting vaccine effectiveness.
- Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash.
An ongoing measles outbreak, which began in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is now impacting neighboring North Carolina and has been traced to cases as far away as Ohio and Washington. As of Friday, January 16th, 2026, South Carolina reported 558 confirmed cases, with the vast majority affecting unvaccinated individuals. Many families traveling over the Christmas holidays are believed to have contributed to its spread.
North Carolina health officials confirm eight cases linked to the Spartanburg outbreak across four counties. Symptoms, which can appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, typically begin with fever, cough, and a runny nose, followed by red eyes and a rash. The disease can cause serious complications, particularly in young children and those with compromised immune systems.
Health authorities emphasize that vaccinations, specifically the MMR vaccine, are crucial for prevention. While most children receive the vaccine in two doses between infancy and early childhood, it can be administered earlier in outbreak situations. Maintaining high vaccination rates is essential to prevent further spread and achieve herd immunity.
