South Carolina Nears End of Measles Outbreak as Utah Becomes New Epicenter

Washington state also declares end to measles outbreak, while Bangladesh sees surge in child deaths from the virus.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of a measles virus particle, its intricate structure glowing against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the scientific examination of this infectious disease.An X-ray view of the measles virus reveals the complex inner workings of this highly contagious pathogen.Snohomish Today

South Carolina is nearing the end of its largest measles outbreak in recent history, with no new cases reported since March 17. If no additional cases are reported, the outbreak will officially end on April 26. Meanwhile, Utah has now become the new epicenter of measles outbreaks in the U.S., with 583 cases recorded so far this year. Internationally, Bangladesh is also grappling with a growing measles outbreak that has already claimed over 100 child lives.

Why it matters

Measles outbreaks can have significant public health and economic impacts, requiring extensive contact tracing, quarantine measures, and public awareness campaigns. The shifting epicenters of these outbreaks highlight the need for sustained vaccination efforts and vigilance against the highly contagious virus, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.

The details

South Carolina's outbreak, which began on October 2, 2025, was seeded in private schools with low student vaccination rates. Of the 997 cases, 932 were in unvaccinated individuals. Utah's outbreak has seen 386 cases so far in 2026, with 121 in the last three weeks. Bangladesh's outbreak, which started on March 15, has already resulted in over 100 child deaths out of more than 900 cases, with a third of patients under 9 months old.

  • South Carolina's outbreak began on October 2, 2025.
  • The last reported case in South Carolina was on March 17, 2026.
  • If no new cases are reported, the outbreak in South Carolina will officially end on April 26, 2026.
  • Utah's outbreak has seen 386 cases so far in 2026, with 121 in the last three weeks.
  • Bangladesh's outbreak began on March 15, 2026.

The players

South Carolina Department of Public Health

The state health department that has been monitoring and reporting on the measles outbreak in South Carolina.

Utah Department of Health

The state health department that is currently responding to the measles outbreak in Utah, which has become the new epicenter in the U.S.

Bangladesh Ministry of Health

The national health authority in Bangladesh that is dealing with the growing measles outbreak that has already claimed over 100 child lives.

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What they’re saying

“There currently are no people in quarantine or isolation. If no new cases are reported, the last day of the outbreak will be April 26.”

— South Carolina Department of Public Health, Officials

“A period of 42 days with no new cases is required to declare an end to a measles outbreak. This is double the number of days for an incubation period (21 days) and a clear indicator of a broken transmission chain.”

— South Carolina Department of Public Health, Officials

What’s next

If no new cases are reported in South Carolina by April 26, the state will officially declare an end to the measles outbreak. In Utah, health officials will continue to monitor the situation and work to contain the spread of the virus. In Bangladesh, a massive vaccination campaign targeting infants is set to begin this week in response to the growing outbreak.

The takeaway

The shifting epicenters of measles outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad highlight the ongoing need for sustained vaccination efforts and vigilance against this highly contagious virus, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. Effective public health responses, including contact tracing, quarantine measures, and public awareness campaigns, are crucial to controlling the spread of measles and preventing future outbreaks.