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South Carolina Battles Largest Measles Outbreak in Decades
13 Feb
Summary
- South Carolina is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in over 30 years.
- Declining immunization rates are linked to COVID-19 backlash and misinformation.
- Medical staff conduct outdoor triage to prevent virus spread in clinics.
South Carolina is currently facing its largest measles outbreak in more than three decades, reporting over 930 cases since early October 2025. This surge is largely attributed to a decline in childhood immunization rates, which have dropped statewide since before the pandemic. Factors contributing to this decrease include backlash against COVID-19 mandates and the spread of misinformation online.
Medical facilities, such as Parkside Pediatrics in Spartanburg, have resorted to outdoor triage to prevent the highly contagious measles virus from spreading within waiting rooms. This measure aims to protect infants and unvaccinated children. Despite federal recommendations for the MMR vaccine, some parents express hesitancy, influenced by unproven theories about vaccine dangers, further complicating efforts to control the outbreak.
