Measles Outbreak Leaves Unvaccinated Babies Vulnerable

South Carolina sees surge in cases, raising concerns for infants too young for shots

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:19pm

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring, with the outline of a baby bottle defined by vibrant neon lines against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the fragility of infants during a measles outbreak.As vaccination rates drop, unprotected infants become the most vulnerable to the highly contagious measles virus.Spartanburg Today

A measles outbreak in South Carolina has left babies too young for the MMR vaccine at risk, as vaccination rates drop and some lawmakers push to further limit vaccine requirements. Doctors are working to protect the youngest patients, but data on infant cases and hospitalizations is limited, adding to parents' fears.

Why it matters

Babies under 1 year old are among the most vulnerable during measles outbreaks, as the disease can be life-threatening for them. The situation in South Carolina highlights the importance of herd immunity to protect those who cannot yet be vaccinated, and the potential consequences of declining vaccination rates and legislative efforts to restrict vaccine mandates.

The details

The measles outbreak in South Carolina has totaled around 1,000 cases, with 253 of those in children 4 and younger. Doctors began offering the MMR vaccine to infants as young as 6 months old to try to protect them, but the state won't disclose how many infants have gotten measles or been hospitalized. Meanwhile, a state bill has been introduced that would prohibit requiring vaccines for children under 2, which doctors say would 'get rid of those requirements in the day cares' and 'is a gut punch that is terrifying'.

  • In the first three months of 2026, the U.S. logged 1,671 measles cases, 73% of the total from 2025, the worst year for the virus in more than three decades.
  • In November, international health officials will determine whether measles is still considered eliminated in the U.S.

The players

John Otwell

A parent who was concerned about the measles threat when taking his infant son to a Costco that had been identified as a site of public exposure.

Dr. Deborah Greenhouse

A Columbia pediatrician who said 'Babies become sitting ducks' during measles outbreaks when vaccination rates drop.

Thomas Compton

The regional director of Miss Tammy's Little Learning Center, a child care network, who said 18 parents pulled children out of his facilities due to measles concerns, even though they had no confirmed cases.

State Sen. Carlisle Kennedy

A Republican state senator who introduced a bill to prohibit requiring vaccines for children under 2, saying it aims to protect parents' rights.

Dr. Martha Edwards

The president of the South Carolina chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, who noted that parental choice is a 'big buzzword' in the state, but said the choice not to vaccinate impacts other parents' rights to keep their children safe.

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What they’re saying

“'We go to the Costco that was kind of a hotbed. A lot of people just don't get it; they think it's just a cold. It's not.'”

— John Otwell, Parent

“'Babies become sitting ducks. The burden is on all of us to protect all of us.'”

— Dr. Deborah Greenhouse, Pediatrician

“'In the climate that we are currently living in, I think any bill potentially could have legs. It is our job to do our absolute best to make sure that those legs don't go anywhere.'”

— Dr. Deborah Greenhouse, Pediatrician

“'Parental choice is a big buzzword in a lot of the Southern states. But the choice not to vaccinate, she said, impacts other parents' rights to keep their children safe.'”

— Dr. Martha Edwards, President, South Carolina American Academy of Pediatrics

“'I would never forgive myself if I knew that my son had gotten another baby very sick and it was something I could have prevented.'”

— Helen Kaiser

What’s next

In November, international health officials will determine whether measles is still considered eliminated in the U.S.

The takeaway

This measles outbreak in South Carolina highlights the vulnerability of infants too young to be vaccinated, and the potential consequences of declining vaccination rates and legislative efforts to restrict vaccine requirements. Doctors are working to protect these young patients, but limited data on infant cases adds to parents' fears. Maintaining herd immunity through high vaccination rates is crucial to safeguarding the entire community, including the most vulnerable.