Summary
Measles cases are surging in South Carolina, with 88 new cases recently reported and a total of 646 infections since October. The outbreak is causing concerns that the United States may lose its measles elimination status, which it achieved in 2000. Vaccination rates have fallen, contributing to the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Key Facts
- South Carolina reported 88 new measles cases recently, with a total of 646 infections since October.
- Over 500 people are in quarantine in 15 schools due to exposure to the virus.
- The current outbreak is centered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and has affected two universities.
- Measles is highly contagious, spreading through air from coughs and sneezes.
- The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000, but vaccine hesitancy has led to new outbreaks.
- Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective in preventing the disease.
- To prevent measles spread, about 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated, but Spartanburg County's rate is around 90%.
- There have been over 2,000 measles cases in the U.S. in the past year, with three deaths reported in Texas.
