South Carolina Measles Outbreak Grows by 11 Cases

State's outbreak now totals 972 cases as officials urge vaccination to stop the spread.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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South Carolina health officials reported 11 new measles cases on Friday, bringing the total number of cases in the state's outbreak to 972. The outbreak's growth rate has slowed from previous weeks, but there are still 105 people in quarantine and 7 in isolation. A state senator has introduced a bill to end religious exemptions for the measles vaccine in South Carolina.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in unvaccinated individuals. This outbreak in South Carolina highlights the ongoing public health challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy and the need to maintain high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of preventable diseases.

The details

The latest 11 new cases come after 12 new cases were reported between last Friday and Tuesday, bringing the one-week total to 23. Public exposures have been identified at Mabry Middle School, Libertas Academy, and Inman Intermediate. At least 20 patients in the outbreak have required hospitalization due to complications.

  • On Friday, February 20, 2026, South Carolina health officials reported 11 new measles cases.
  • In the previous week, from last Friday to Tuesday, 12 new cases were reported.

The players

South Carolina Department of Health

The state health agency responsible for monitoring and responding to the measles outbreak in South Carolina.

State Senator

A state senator who has introduced a bill to end religious exemptions for the measles vaccine in South Carolina.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

A famous physician who has urged Americans to get vaccinated against measles amid the outbreak in South Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“Vaccination continues to be the best way to prevent measles and stop this outbreak, officials said.”

— South Carolina Department of Health (wrdw.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the bill to end religious exemptions for the measles vaccine to move forward.

The takeaway

This outbreak underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles. The proposed legislation to end religious exemptions for the vaccine could be a significant step in controlling the outbreak and protecting public health in South Carolina.