Measles outbreak in the US: South Carolina confirms outbreak; 8 cases identified

Measles is back in the spotlight, and not in a good way. South Carolina has officially confirmed an outbreak in its Upstate region. So far, eight cases have been identified there.


Health officials in SC say the outbreak is being traced to communities with low immunization rates. That means where vaccine coverage is weak, measles finds a chance to sneak in and spread.


“The people involved in the outbreak are unvaccinated and did not have immunity from a previous measles infection,” the South Carolina Department of Public Health told HuffPost.


Measles outbreak: What’s going on in the US

If you thought measles was something from the past, think again. 2025 is shaping up to be the worst U.S. measles year in 30+ years.


As of late September, there are about 1,544 confirmed cases across 41 states.


The big outbreak in West Texas grabbed headlines: it’s accounted for a large share of cases nationally. Two children in Texas died after measles-related complications; those were among the first measles deaths in the U.S. in years. Also, measles cases here are no longer restricted to kids — adults and teens are showing up too, especially when their vaccination status is spotty or unknown.


Why this is really concerning

Measles is insanely contagious. If you’re exposed and not immune (via vaccine or previous infection), there's a high chance you’ll get it. In SC’s outbreak, officials warn that 95% of exposed individuals without immunity may become infected.


Vaccines work. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is about 97% effective with two doses.


Elimination status is at risk. The US had officially “eliminated” measles in 2000, defined as no sustained spread for 12 months. But with these surges, that status could be in danger if outbreaks keep going.


Measles might feel “old school” but with falling vaccine rates, global travel, and outbreaks spreading, it’s very much a present danger again. South Carolina’s outbreak is a warning shot: when immunity in a community drops, diseases once thought conquered can come roaring back.