South Carolina Measles Outbreak Slowing Down

The largest US measles outbreak in decades may end sooner than expected.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:12pm

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A large measles outbreak in South Carolina is finally showing signs of slowing down as the total number of cases in the state nears 1,000. For several weeks now, the state has experienced a downward trend in new infections, with approximately 10 cases being reported per week. At its peak in mid-January, the state was reporting around 200 new cases a week. The South Carolina outbreak is the largest measles outbreak in the country in more than 30 years, according to the CDC.

Why it matters

Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, a status attained when there has been no ongoing transmission within the country for longer than a year. Even with cases in South Carolina abating, the US is now at risk of losing its measles elimination status, as there have already been 12 outbreaks in the country this year.

The details

The outbreak began with just a handful of cases in October and has centered in Spartanburg County. Low vaccination rates in schools helped spread the virus, with social events around the winter holidays fueling a surge of cases in January. Churches have also been a major source of exposure. More than 93 percent of the cases in South Carolina have occurred in people who were unvaccinated, and the vast majority of infections have been in children under 18.

  • The outbreak began with just a handful of cases in October 2025.
  • At its peak in mid-January 2026, the state was reporting around 200 new cases a week.
  • As of March 5, 2026, the CDC has confirmed 1,281 measles cases across the country this year, already more than half of the documented cases in 2025, which totaled 2,283.

The players

Linda Bell

South Carolina's state epidemiologist.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The national public health institute in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“We remain concerned and must be mindful of the fact that we can see cases increase again from the low number that we're seeing now. We are very hopeful that the downward trend continues, but we have to be vigilant about the risk that we can see another surge.”

— Linda Bell, South Carolina State Epidemiologist (Press Briefing)

What’s next

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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.