By John Q. Hosedrinker 
South Carolina health officials report an accelerating measles outbreak in the upstate region, with 111 cases confirmed as of Wednesday. A significant increase in cases since Friday is attributed to holiday gatherings and low vaccination rates, with MMR vaccination rates below the recommended 95% in affected counties. Mobile health clinics offering MMR shots saw limited participation, and quarantines of 21 days for unvaccinated individuals are being implemented. The outbreak mirrors a larger national trend, with ongoing outbreaks in the Western U.S. and an increase in reported cases across the country.
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South Carolina measles outbreak is ‘accelerating,’ and it’s a stark reminder of something we thought we had under control. It’s truly disheartening to see this happen. We’re talking about a highly contagious virus that, frankly, we have a very effective tool to stop: vaccination. And yet, here we are.
The situation, as described by state health officials, is “accelerating,” particularly in the upstate region, which includes areas like Greenville and Spartanburg. We’re seeing a significant rise in cases since Thanksgiving, which, unfortunately, seems to have been a contributing factor due to increased travel and gatherings. The numbers are concerning, with 111 reported cases as of a recent Wednesday. The spike in cases indicates a clear and present danger to the community, and the potential for the virus to spread further is real.
The grim reality is that measles is incredibly infectious. It can linger in the air for hours, meaning exposure can happen just by being in the same space as someone who is infected. The current outbreak is hitting schools and even a church in Spartanburg County, leading to quarantines. This includes students who are unvaccinated, some of whom are facing a second quarantine period this school year. Imagine the disruption to their education, the time away from peers, all because of a preventable illness.
Vaccination rates are crucial to understanding the problem. In Spartanburg County, the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination rate for the 2024-25 school year was around 90%, and 90.5% in Greenville County, according to the available data. Health experts tell us we need to be at 95% to really protect the community, which helps prevent such outbreaks. The local health department did try to offer mobile vaccination clinics, but the response was low.
The issue isn’t limited to South Carolina, of course. Across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting an increasing number of measles cases in 2025. It also highlights the lack of an obvious source of infection, suggesting the virus is spreading among a larger number of people.
Measles isn’t just a nuisance; it can cause serious complications, even death. It can also weaken the immune system, making people more vulnerable to other illnesses. It’s also important to remember that unvaccinated individuals are almost always infected upon exposure to the virus.
One can’t help but wonder why the simple, readily available solution – vaccination – isn’t being embraced more widely. The attitude that vaccines are somehow harmful, when they are so effective, is a major factor. The science is clear, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any perceived risks.
The consequences of this outbreak are real. Aside from the immediate suffering caused by the illness, there are the disruptions to daily life caused by quarantines, the strain on healthcare systems, and the risk to vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. This is not just a personal choice; it’s a public health issue with far-reaching consequences.
Looking at the data, measles is a serious problem. While the risk of death is low in developed countries, the virus can lead to long-term health problems. And, of course, the outbreak is taking place amid the spread of misinformation about vaccines. This is where we see the need to properly educate people.
It’s easy to feel frustrated by this situation. We have the tools to prevent it, yet some refuse to use them. It’s time to remember that science is our friend, and we should trust the medical professionals who understand this field better than any politician. Ultimately, the health of our communities is at stake. The situation in South Carolina serves as a strong reminder of the importance of vaccinations in protecting public health. Let’s do what we can to stop the spread.