Measles Cases Surge in South Carolina – Outbreak Update
- The United States is facing a growing risk of losing its measles elimination status, a disease that is airborne and spreads easily through respiratory droplets.
- Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus,characterized by fever,rash,cough,runny nose,and red,watery eyes.
- Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The United States is facing a growing risk of losing its measles elimination status, a disease that is airborne and spreads easily through respiratory droplets. While preventable through vaccination, measles cases have been increasing globally and within the U.S., raising concerns about outbreaks.
Measles: Definition and Current Status
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Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus,characterized by fever,rash,cough,runny nose,and red,watery eyes. The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000, meaning sustained transmission for 12 months or more was stopped; though, this status is now threatened due to rising cases and declining vaccination rates. As of December 2023, the CDC reported 64 cases of measles in 17 states, representing the highest number of cases reported in a year as 2019.
Transmission and Prevention
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is indeed so contagious that if one person has it, 90% of those around them who are not immune will become infected. The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 97% effective in preventing measles.
According to the CDC, children should recieve their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.
Regional Concerns and Elimination Status
The Pan American Health Institution (PAHO) has expressed concern about a resurgence of measles in the Americas, with cases reaching a five-year high in 2023. PAHO warned that several countries are at risk of re-establishing endemic transmission. The article referenced in the original source (dated November 10, 2025, though the date is likely a placeholder as of January 18, 2026) suggests a continued risk to elimination status, but current data as of December 2023 indicates the U.S. has not yet lost its elimination status, though the trend is concerning. As of December 2023, PAHO reported 1,798 confirmed measles cases in the Americas.
Complications of Measles
While generally a self-limiting illness, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death. Approximately one in five people who contract measles require hospitalization. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal degenerative disease of the central nervous system, can develop years after a measles infection. The CDC estimates that between 2000 and 2019, there were 140,000 measles-related deaths globally.