South Carolina is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in three decades, with 789 new cases reported as of 27/1. Local officials state that over 600 of these cases occurred since the beginning of 2026, following the initial case detected in 10/2025. The outbreak has led to at least 557 individuals being quarantined and 18 hospitalized due to complications.

Dr. Kristin Moffitt, an infectious disease specialist at Boston Children's Hospital, attributes the measles resurgence primarily to declining vaccination rates. She highlights that over 700 of the new cases in South Carolina involved individuals who were either unvaccinated or had not received the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. "This is entirely due to declining vaccination rates, which is evident in the areas where outbreaks occur", Dr. Moffitt stated.

Federal data underscores a concerning national trend: during the 2024-2025 school year, 92,5% of preschool children received the MMR vaccine. This figure marks a decrease from 92,7% in the previous school year and 95,2% in the 2019-2020 academic year.

An MMR vaccine vial at Logan Square medical center in Chicago in 5/2019. *Chicago Tribune*

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that at least 14 states have documented measles cases this year, with another outbreak spreading along the Arizona-Utah border. Dr. Moffitt expressed concern, saying, "The number of measles cases exceeding 2.000 last year is truly alarming. I am worried this year is also progressing in a very concerning direction." Historically, before 2025, the United States averaged about 180 measles cases annually since declaring the disease eradicated in 2000. However, the nation recorded over 2.200 cases in 2025.

The CDC emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective method for preventing measles. It recommends individuals receive two doses of the MMR vaccine for optimal protection: the first dose between 12-15 months of age, and the second between four and six years.

Adding to the complexity, Minister of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. holds a skeptical stance on vaccines, including the MMR. He previously led a nonprofit organization advocating for limited childhood vaccinations and has disseminated disputed information, including a scientifically debunked conspiracy theory linking the MMR vaccine to autism. Dr. Ralph Abraham, deputy director of the CDC, acknowledged that opting out of vaccination is a personal freedom, while affirming the agency's openness to considering alternative "treatments and prevention" methods.

Ngoc Anh (According to ABC News, CNN)