Measles Outbreak in South Carolina Hits Record High, Threatening Elimination Status
A staggering 789 cases of measles have been reported in South Carolina since the outbreak began in October last year, making it a record high for the state. The surge in cases has sent alarm bells ringing as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that if vaccination rates do not improve, the country may lose its status as a measles-free nation.
The majority of the cases have been reported in children under 11 years old, with nearly 70% of those being unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status. This trend is concerning, as it suggests a decline in vaccination rates and increased risk of future outbreaks. The CDC has also reported that only 93% of all cases in 2025 were vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), highlighting the growing concern.
The vaccination schedule recommended by the US Department of Health and Human Services was recently modified to remove five vaccinations from the list, including the MMR vaccine. However, this move has been met with skepticism by some experts, who argue that it undermines public confidence in vaccines. In an interview with Fox News, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked controversy when he stated that there are "adverse events" from vaccination and that people should be able to make their own informed decisions about immunization.
However, the Infectious Diseases Society of America has contradicted this stance, pointing out that there have been no deaths related to MMR vaccine in healthy individuals. The society emphasizes that vaccine-related deaths occur mainly in immunocompromised children who are not recommended to receive the shot.
The International Vaccine Access Center's executive director, William Moss, warns that the ongoing outbreak highlights the importance of maintaining adequate levels of measles vaccination. If vaccination rates do not improve, the US may lose its measles elimination status, and future outbreaks could be prevented. As vaccine confidence continues to erode, it is more crucial than ever to prioritize immunization and prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.
A staggering 789 cases of measles have been reported in South Carolina since the outbreak began in October last year, making it a record high for the state. The surge in cases has sent alarm bells ringing as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that if vaccination rates do not improve, the country may lose its status as a measles-free nation.
The majority of the cases have been reported in children under 11 years old, with nearly 70% of those being unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status. This trend is concerning, as it suggests a decline in vaccination rates and increased risk of future outbreaks. The CDC has also reported that only 93% of all cases in 2025 were vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), highlighting the growing concern.
The vaccination schedule recommended by the US Department of Health and Human Services was recently modified to remove five vaccinations from the list, including the MMR vaccine. However, this move has been met with skepticism by some experts, who argue that it undermines public confidence in vaccines. In an interview with Fox News, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked controversy when he stated that there are "adverse events" from vaccination and that people should be able to make their own informed decisions about immunization.
However, the Infectious Diseases Society of America has contradicted this stance, pointing out that there have been no deaths related to MMR vaccine in healthy individuals. The society emphasizes that vaccine-related deaths occur mainly in immunocompromised children who are not recommended to receive the shot.
The International Vaccine Access Center's executive director, William Moss, warns that the ongoing outbreak highlights the importance of maintaining adequate levels of measles vaccination. If vaccination rates do not improve, the US may lose its measles elimination status, and future outbreaks could be prevented. As vaccine confidence continues to erode, it is more crucial than ever to prioritize immunization and prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.
. Vaccination rates are low & cases are skyrocketing! We gotta get people vaccinated ASAP 
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This news is making me think about how our individual actions can have a ripple effect on society as a whole... I mean, 789 cases in one state? It's like a domino effect - if we don't look out for each other, especially our most vulnerable populations, the consequences can be devastating.
And it's not just the cases that are worrying, but also what's behind them - low vaccination rates among kids under 11. It's like, come on folks, get your shots done! 
I mean, I know there have been some safety concerns raised about vaccines in the past, but to say that they can cause adverse events and people should be able to make their own decisions? No thanks. 
Let's stick to science here! 
But on the bright side, I guess it's making everyone realize how important vaccination is and maybe people will start getting their shots again. Like, the CDC said only 93% were vaccinated last year? That's not good, but at least we know where we need to improve. And, um, I don't think removing five vaccines from the list was a great idea... 
. I don't think we should be removing or reducing vaccine schedules, that just seems sketchy 
. We need to keep pushing for herd immunity and making sure everyone gets vaccinated, especially in vulnerable groups like kids and older adults. It's not that hard to get the shot, people! 
... 93% vaccinated? That's still a pretty high number if you ask me 
... what's going on with this vaccination schedule change? Removing the MMR vaccine from some kids' lists? I don't get it 
let's keep pushing for herd immunity and measles elimination! 
The CDC needs to take a firmer stance on vaccination rates. We can't let vaccine confidence erode like this! 
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. No one wants a resurgence of this highly contagious disease in the US. Let's get serious about protecting ourselves and our communities 
I mean, what's up with these new vaccination rules? They're removing important vaccines like MMR from the schedule... I get that we gotta keep things balanced, but are we really gonna risk a measles outbreak just because some folks are anti-vax? 
that's crazy! I know some parents are still like "hesitant" about vaccines but come on, measles is no joke! 
that's like, super concerning! 
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i dont care wht some dude says about vaccine side effects, science says its safe & effective. vaccinate ur kids & protect ur community! 
I'm so worried about this measles outbreak in South Carolina! 789 cases in just a year? That's crazy! 
. And honestly, I'm still not sure if all these vaccine-related deaths are actually happening... there should be more research done on that topic 
. But what we do know is that measles can spread so fast and cause serious health issues