Health authorities in South Carolina have officially confirmed a measles outbreak within the state, contributing to an alarming national trend that sees U.S. cases reaching their highest levels in 25 years since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.
As of recent reports, eight linked cases of measles have been identified in South Carolina's Upstate region, prompting public health officials to declare an outbreak, defined as three or more connected infections. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) emphasized that all individuals involved in this cluster were unvaccinated and therefore lacked natural immunity from prior exposure. The DPH is actively engaged in contact tracing to inform anyone who may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented more than 1,500 measles cases across 41 states this year, marking the most significant surge in a quarter-century. Data indicates that approximately 92% of these cases occurred in individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status could not be confirmed.
Measles is renowned for being an airborne, exceptionally infectious, and potentially life-threatening rash illness. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine, the CDC estimates that the U.S. experienced around 48,000 hospitalizations and 400–500 deaths annually due to the disease.
While Texas previously reported a majority of this year's cases, including two fatalities among unvaccinated school-aged children in outbreak zones, and subsequently declared its outbreak over in August, other states continue to grapple with rising numbers. This resurgence comes amidst ongoing debates surrounding vaccination requirements, with figures like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known critic of vaccine mandates, influencing policy discussions at the CDC.
Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina's state epidemiologist, anticipates a further increase in cases within the state and issued a strong plea for community vigilance. "We expect more cases to be identified and urge all community members to act responsibly," Bell stated, advising individuals who are unwell to remain at home to prevent further transmission.
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Originally published at: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/south-carolina-confirms-measles-outbreak-with-us-cases-at-25-year-high_n_68e152b6e4b01314b83e05ae
