South Carolina Measles Outbreak Slows, But CDC Warns of Potential Underreporting

State health officials say no new cases reported in a week, but CDC modeling raises concerns about undetected infections.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:09pm

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring where the measles virus particle is defined entirely by vibrant neon lines against a deep, dark background, emphasizing the shape and electricity of the infectious agent.As South Carolina grapples with its largest measles outbreak in decades, public health experts warn of potential underreporting that could fuel continued spread of the highly contagious virus.Spartanburg Today

For the first time since South Carolina's record-breaking measles outbreak began last fall, the state has gone a full week without health officials learning of any new cases. However, a recent CDC report warns that there are likely some undocumented cases of measles in the affected region, raising the risk of continued spread. State epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell credits increased vaccination and isolation measures for the slowdown, but the CDC's outbreak modeling highlights uncertainties around underreporting, inconsistent compliance with isolation, and low vaccination rates in some close-knit communities.

Why it matters

The South Carolina measles outbreak has been the largest in the U.S. in decades, with nearly 1,000 documented cases. While the slowdown in new infections is encouraging, public health experts remain concerned about the potential for undetected transmission, especially as spring break travel approaches. Accurately tracking and containing measles outbreaks is crucial to protect vulnerable populations and prevent the disease from spreading more widely.

The details

The last day of the South Carolina measles outbreak would be April 26 if no more cases are reported, according to state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell. However, a recent CDC risk assessment warned that there are likely some undocumented measles cases in the affected region, raising concerns about ongoing transmission. The CDC's outbreak modeling has consistently indicated that a larger, prolonged outbreak lasting at least six months is the most likely scenario. While the rate of new cases has declined, the CDC cited 'inconsistent' or 'sub-optimal' compliance with isolation and quarantine, as well as low to moderate vaccination rates among unvaccinated residents in the outbreak area.

  • The South Carolina measles outbreak was first identified in early October 2025 with five known cases.
  • As of early March 2026, the state had 997 documented measles cases.
  • The last day of the outbreak would be April 26, 2026 if no more cases are reported.
  • South Carolina has gone a full week as of April 8, 2026 without any new measles cases reported.

The players

Dr. Linda Bell

South Carolina's state epidemiologist, who is leading the state's outbreak response.

Scott Thorpe

Executive director of the Southern Alliance for Public Health Leadership, who expressed concerns about potential underreporting of measles cases.

Dr. Robin LaCroix

A pediatric infectious disease specialist with Prisma Health, one of the major health systems treating measles cases in the outbreak area, who also raised concerns about underreporting.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The federal agency that has produced outbreak modeling assessments for the South Carolina measles outbreak, warning about the likelihood of some undetected cases.

Global Academy of South Carolina

A public charter school in Spartanburg where some of the earliest known outbreak cases and exposures occurred, with only 21% of students up-to-date on vaccinations.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's very unlikely we're at zero. One of the really challenging, frustrating things about measles is that there absolutely can be cases we don't catch, mild cases in particular.”

— Scott Thorpe, Executive director, Southern Alliance for Public Health Leadership

“I think that we have captured only a fraction of the people who have become infected with measles because if you were not ill enough to seek medical care, you are never captured in the numbers that are reported.”

— Dr. Robin LaCroix, Pediatric infectious disease specialist, Prisma Health

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.