Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

South Carolina Measles Outbreak Becomes Largest In U.S. History Since First Elimination

The outbreak has caused nearly 800 cases mainly among unvaccinated children in Spartanburg County, with over 600 cases added in 2026 alone, health officials said.

  • On Tuesday, the South Carolina Department of Public Health reported 789 measles cases, marking the largest U.S. outbreak since elimination was declared in 2000.
  • Health officials say 93% of patients were unvaccinated, fueling rapid transmission, while Dr. Deborah Greenhouse warned under-immunized Spartanburg County school communities created a "tinder box" for measles spread.
  • DPH identified exposures at Dorman High School, Inman Intermediate, and New Prospect Elementary, with 557 people in quarantine, 20 in isolation, and 18 hospitalized since the outbreak began.
  • In neighboring states, North Carolina reported 14 cases as of Tuesday, some linked to South Carolina, while Union County quarantined more than 170 people connected to Shining Light Baptist Academy.
  • Public-Health experts warn the U.S. risks losing measles elimination status after reporting more than 2,200 cases in 2025 and stress a 95% vaccination threshold is needed.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions

57 Articles

Center

The measles outbreak in South Carolina has surpassed the number of cases recorded in the 2015 Texas outbreak, with health officials reporting nearly 600 new cases in just over a month.

·Calhoun, United States
Read Full Article
ReutersReuters
+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Center

South Carolina measles cases hit 789, surpassing Texas' 2025 outbreak total

·United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 66% of the sources are Center
66% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

NBC San Diego broke the news in San Diego, United States on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal