No New Measles Cases Reported in Upstate Outbreak

South Carolina health officials say the outbreak could be over by late April if no new infections emerge.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:09pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image showing the detailed internal structures of a measles virus particle, with its intricate components glowing against a dark background.An X-ray view reveals the complex inner workings of the measles virus, a highly contagious pathogen that has fueled a major outbreak in South Carolina.Columbia Today

The South Carolina Department of Public Health has reported no new measles cases in the Upstate region, with the total number of confirmed cases remaining at 997. There are currently no people in quarantine or isolation, and the outbreak is expected to be considered over if no new cases are reported by April 26.

Why it matters

This outbreak has been one of the largest measles outbreaks in recent years, highlighting the importance of vaccination and the potential for rapid spread of highly contagious diseases. The lack of new cases suggests public health measures have been effective, but continued vigilance is needed to ensure the outbreak is fully contained.

The details

Of the 997 total cases, 264 are under age 5, 639 are between 5-17 years old, and 87 are over 18. The vast majority, 932 cases, were in unvaccinated individuals, while 20 were partially vaccinated and 26 were fully vaccinated. An outbreak is considered over when no new cases are reported for 42 days, double the virus's 21-day incubation period.

  • The South Carolina Department of Public Health continues to report no new measles cases as of April 3, 2026.
  • If no new cases are reported, the last day of the outbreak is expected to be April 26, 2026.

The players

South Carolina Department of Public Health

The state's public health agency responsible for monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks.

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What’s next

If no new measles cases are reported by April 26, the South Carolina Department of Public Health will officially declare the Upstate outbreak over.

The takeaway

This outbreak demonstrates the importance of high vaccination rates in preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles. The lack of new cases suggests public health interventions have been effective, but ongoing vigilance is needed to ensure the outbreak remains contained.