South Carolina Measles Outbreak: Cases Slow, Vaccination Efforts Rise | NPR

South Carolina’s ongoing measles outbreak, which began in October, continues to be a significant public health concern, though recent data suggest a possible slowing of new cases. As of February 4, 2026, the state has reported a total of 876 confirmed cases, making it one of the largest outbreaks seen in the United States in decades.

While the outbreak initially grew at a “breathtaking pace,” surpassing the Texas outbreak of 2025, the rate of new confirmed cases has slowed this week. On February 4, 2026, public health officials reported just 29 new confirmed cases, a smaller number than previously observed in their twice-weekly updates. State epidemiologist Linda Bell cautioned that We see “too soon to say if that means it’s a slowdown in the trajectory of this outbreak,” but expressed cautious optimism.

The potential slowdown appears linked to increased vaccination efforts. According to Dr. Bell, outreach programs focused on vaccination are showing positive results. Vaccination rates in Spartanburg County, the epicenter of the outbreak, increased by 162% in January compared to the previous year. Statewide vaccination rates have also risen, a development officials believe is key to controlling the virus’s spread.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications. These can include pneumonia and brain swelling. At least 19 people – both children and adults – have been hospitalized in South Carolina due to the outbreak. Dr. Robin LaCroix, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Prisma Health in Greenville, South Carolina, described the illness as causing significant distress, with symptoms including high fever, dehydration, and persistent coughing.

Dr. LaCroix and her colleagues are preparing for further complications to emerge in the coming months following measles infections. These delayed complications are a known consequence of the disease.

Beyond South Carolina, measles cases have also been reported at ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention centers. A single case was identified earlier in January at a facility in Florence, Arizona. More recently, at least two cases were confirmed at the ICE detention center for families in Dilley, Texas. Whether these cases will escalate into a larger outbreak depends on vaccination rates among detainees.

Dr. Katherine Peeler of Harvard, who has studied healthcare within immigration detention centers, expressed concern about the potential for outbreaks, drawing parallels to a 2016 measles outbreak at an ICE facility. Her research indicated that even with relatively high immunity levels, measles can spread rapidly in crowded detention settings. She noted a similarity to the high rates of COVID-19 observed in adult and family detention centers.

In response to the cases at the detention centers, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has placed infected individuals in quarantine, halted movement within the facilities, and quarantined those who may have been exposed. However, Dr. Peeler emphasized that declining vaccination rates nationally, coupled with increased numbers of people in ICE detention, increase the risk of future outbreaks.

As of January 29, 2026, the CDC reported 588 confirmed measles cases in the United States for 2026. The majority of these cases (585) were reported across 17 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Three cases were identified in international visitors to the United States. 94% of confirmed cases (550 of 588) are associated with ongoing outbreaks, either originating in 2026 or continuing from 2025.

For comparison, in 2025, a total of 2,267 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States, spanning 45 jurisdictions. 89% of these cases (2,020 of 2,267) were linked to outbreaks.