South Carolina has declared an end to a measles outbreak totaling 997 cases — the largest in the U.S. in more than 35 years — with officials crediting healthcare workers, schools and families for preventing wider spread.
The outbreak began Oct. 2, 2025, and response efforts lasted 30 consecutive weeks. It was contained to one area of one county and did not spread statewide, according to an April 27 state department of health news release.
Here are six notes:
• South Carolina was the hardest-hit state during the outbreak. As of March 12, 664 cases had been reported, with officials noting the slowing rate of new infections.
• Nationally, measles activity has surged. The CDC confirmed 2,284 cases in 2025 — a 35-year record. However, more than 1,300 cases across 30 states had been reported as of mid-March 2026, which portends a second consecutive record-braking year.
• The outbreak response entailed coordination across seven public school districts, healthcare providers and public health teams.
• Officials attributed containment to rapid case identification, contact tracing and individuals staying home when exposed.
• Vaccination efforts increased during the outbreak, with a 93.6% rise in MMR vaccinations driven by provider outreach.
• The MMR vaccine is 97% effective, and officials said monitoring and prevention efforts will continue.
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