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A fast-spreading outbreak
Table of Contents
the South Carolina outbreak started in October, and has exploded in the last couple of weeks, with 248 new cases reported this week alone. Most are kids and teens who have not been vaccinated. Hundreds of children have been quarantined since it began, and exposures are happening in lots of public places, state epidemiologist Linda Bell said in a media briefing earlier this week.
“the settings of potential public exposures that have been newly identified in the last week include churches, restaurants, business, and many health care settings,” Bell said.
Bell warned that anyone who has not been vaccinated is vulnerable to infection.
Falling vaccination rates, rising exemptions
While 90% of students in Spartanburg County meet school vaccination requirements, if you dig deeper, you’ll find pockets with much lower vaccination rates. Bell said one school has a vaccination rate as low as 20%.
Spartanburg County also has a relatively high number of nonmedical exemptions from vaccines – about 8% of students have such an exemption, a jump from just 3% in 2020, according to data published alongside the new research in JAMA. These are parents opting out of the required school vaccines.
Tim smith’s wife is an assistant teacher in Spartanburg County who despite being vaccinated, caught measles from one of her students and got so sick she had to go to the hospital. Smith told the district school board this week that exemptions in Spartanburg have gotten out of control.
“It’s absolute insanity,” Smith said. “She was totally dehydrated. We have laws on our books that require vaccinations.For some reason,somebody decided that you can apply for a religious exemption and anyone that applies for this can get it.”
And it’s not just religious exemptions; most states allow parents to get some form of nonmedical exemption to school vaccination requirements, either for philosophical or personal reasons or religious ones.
A growing trend nationwide
The new JAMA study
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PHASE 1: ADVERSARIAL RESEARCH, FRESHNESS & BREAKING-NEWS CHECK
I will research common causes of rashes in children, recent outbreaks, and any relevant health advisories.I will focus on information from authoritative sources like the CDC, NIH, Mayo Clinic, and WHO.
* Common Rashes in Children: Common causes include viral infections (chickenpox, measles, roseola), bacterial infections (impetigo, scarlet fever), allergic reactions (eczema, hives), and insect bites.
* Recent Outbreaks/Advisories (as of 2026/01/16 22:43:54): A search reveals a moderate increase in reported cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease (HFMD) across several US states in late 2025/early 2026, according to the CDC. There have also been localized reports of increased scarlet fever cases in the UK, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency. No widespread, novel rash-causing outbreaks have been reported.
* Latest Verified Status: The information regarding HFMD and scarlet fever is current as of January 16, 2026. General information about childhood rashes remains consistent with established medical knowledge.
PHASE 2: ENTITY-BASED GEO (GENERATIVE ENGINE OPTIMIZATION)
* Primary Entity: Childhood Rashes
* Related Entities:
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
* National Institutes of Health (NIH)
* Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
* Scarlet Fever
* Eczema
* Allergic Reactions
* Viral Infections
* Bacterial Infections
Childhood Rashes: Identification and Common Causes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance
Childhood rashes are a common occurrence, frequently enough caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergic reactions, or irritants. The CDC provides comprehensive information on identifying common rashes and when to seek medical attention.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Current Status and CDC Recommendations
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that primarily affects infants and children. As of January 2026, the CDC reports a moderate increase in cases in several US states. HFMD typically presents with fever, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet.
The CDC recommends frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and isolating infected children to prevent the spread of HFMD.
Scarlet Fever
Recent increase in Cases – UK Health Security Agency
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that develops in some people who have strep throat. The UK Health Security Agency has reported a localized increase in scarlet fever cases in late 2025/early 2026. Symptoms include a sore throat,fever,and a characteristic sandpaper-like rash.
Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial for managing scarlet fever and preventing complications.
Eczema and Allergic Reactions
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, red rashes. The NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) conducts research to understand the causes and develop treatments for eczema and other skin conditions.
Allergic reactions can also cause rashes, often accompanied by hives or swelling. Identifying and avoiding allergens is key to managing allergic rashes.
PHASE 3: SEMANTIC ANSWER RULE (MANDATORY)
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section begins with a clear answer to a core question about the topic.
PHASE 4: MACHINE-READABILITY
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