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SC Measles Spike Slows as Vaccination Rates Soar
7 Mar
Summary
- South Carolina reports one new measles case, with 991 total cases confirmed since October.
- February saw over 17,300 measles vaccine doses administered, a significant increase from last year.
- Spartanburg County experienced a 139% rise in vaccine doses administered in February.
As of March 7, 2026, South Carolina's Department of Public Health has confirmed one new measles case, contributing to a total of 991 cases identified since October. While a few new cases are still being reported weekly, the outbreak appears to be decelerating. This slowdown is largely attributed to a substantial increase in vaccination rates across the state.
In February 2026, over 17,300 doses of the measles vaccine were administered statewide, a significant jump from the 7,100 doses given in February 2025. Spartanburg County saw a remarkable 139% increase in vaccinations during the same period. Recognizing the urgency, the health department also administered 1,380 MMR doses to infants aged 6-11 months, earlier than the standard schedule, to protect the most vulnerable.
Of the 991 confirmed cases, 925 were individuals who were unvaccinated. The department emphasizes that the MMR vaccine remains the most effective measure against measles and believes the rising vaccination uptake is key to controlling the current outbreak.
