What was the scale of the measles outbreak in South Carolina?

The outbreak sickened nearly 1,000 people, with the vast majority being unvaccinated children, and led to 21 hospitalizations.

Which community was most affected by the South Carolina measles outbreak?

A close-knit, evangelical Slavic community in Spartanburg County bore the brunt of the cases, experiencing falling childhood vaccination rates.

What are the long-term health risks associated with measles?

Measles can cause 'immune amnesia,' leaving individuals more susceptible to other infections, and in rare cases, a deadly degenerative brain condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Home / Health / Measles Outbreak Declared Over After 1000 Cases

Measles Outbreak Declared Over After 1000 Cases

26 Apr

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Summary

Nearly 1,000 people, mostly unvaccinated children, were sickened.
The outbreak lasted from October until Sunday, with 21 hospitalizations.
A community with falling vaccination rates bore the brunt of cases.

Measles Outbreak Declared Over After 1000 Cases

A major measles outbreak in South Carolina, affecting nearly 1,000 individuals, has been declared over as of Sunday. The outbreak, which commenced in October, became the largest since measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 and resulted in 21 hospitalizations, with some patients suffering severe complications like pneumonia and brain swelling.

State public health officials ended the outbreak after a 42-day period without any new reported cases. Spartanburg County was particularly affected, with a close-knit evangelical Slavic community experiencing a high number of infections. This community has seen a decline in childhood vaccination rates, with only 89 percent of school-age children up to date on immunizations, below the 95 percent threshold needed to prevent spread.