Measles outbreak hits South Carolina amid 'medical freedom' push

Doctors struggle to contain the largest U.S. measles outbreak in over 30 years as vaccination rates drop

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A measles outbreak in Spartanburg, South Carolina has surpassed 930 cases, about 20 of which required hospitalization. The outbreak is fueled by a drop in vaccination rates as local leaders and parents pushed back against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and demanded more 'medical freedom' to choose what routine shots their children receive. Doctors are working to keep the highly contagious virus out of clinics, but face reluctance from some parents to get their children vaccinated.

Why it matters

This outbreak highlights the growing opposition to routine childhood vaccinations in parts of the U.S., driven by misinformation and a 'medical freedom' movement that has undermined public trust in life-saving immunizations. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known, and outbreaks like this could become more common if vaccination rates continue to decline.

The details

The measles outbreak in Spartanburg has forced doctors to set up outdoor triage stations to check patients for symptoms and keep the virus out of waiting rooms. Clinics have treated about 50 measles patients since October, something never seen before. School immunization rates in the county have dropped below the 95% threshold needed to prevent measles' spread, with some local schools seeing rates below 20%. Doctors say many parents are reluctant to vaccinate due to misinformation and a push for 'medical freedom', despite the proven safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine.

  • The outbreak started in early October 2026.
  • As of February 2026, the outbreak has surpassed 930 cases.

The players

Parkside Pediatrics

A pediatric clinic in Spartanburg, South Carolina that has treated about 50 measles patients since the outbreak started.

Dr. Justin Moll

A doctor at Parkside Pediatrics who started outdoor triage to keep the measles virus out of the clinic's waiting rooms.

Nathan Heffington

A nurse practitioner and medical director for Parkside Pediatrics who believes the actual number of infections is much higher than reported.

Kathleen Black

A parent in Spartanburg who initially hesitated to vaccinate her youngest child but was persuaded by Heffington to get the MMR shot.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Health Secretary whose anti-vaccine policies have further undermined public trust in life-saving immunizations.

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What they’re saying

“This is not going to be the last vaccine-preventable disease to hit us.”

— Dr. Justin Moll, Doctor, Parkside Pediatrics (Reuters)

“I now believe that some folks have overreacted in the other direction and oppose any and all vaccines, even ones that have been tried-and-true for decades.”

— Josh Kimbrell, Republican state senator running for governor (Reuters)

“The actual numbers are much, much higher than the reported numbers, which is just all the more nerve-wracking. Many parents have lost respect and fear for this disease.”

— Nathan Heffington, Nurse practitioner and medical director, Parkside Pediatrics (Reuters)

“Absolutely.”

— Nathan Heffington, Nurse practitioner and medical director, Parkside Pediatrics (Reuters)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.