South Carolina measles outbreak becomes largest since U.S. eliminated disease

South Carolina reported more than 700 confirmed measles cases centered in Spartanburg County, surpassing all previous outbreaks since the US declared measles eliminated in 2000. Among confirmed patients, 94% were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, and the outbreak had spread to adjacent counties. The CDC confirmed 416 national measles cases as of late January, with South Carolina accounting for 81% of them. Measles vaccination rates in affected Spartanburg County schools fell below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.