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Measles Outbreak in South Carolina Highlights Urgent Need for Vaccination

KVIA•Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM•CNN Newsource

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A significant measles outbreak has emerged in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, with over 200 reported cases since October. This surge is attributed to declining vaccination rates, which have dropped from 95% to 90% among schoolchildren over the past five years. The outbreak began within a Ukrainian immigrant community with low vaccination coverage and has spread to the wider population, affecting mainly unvaccinated children. Local health officials are urging increased MMR vaccination rates and have initiated pop-up clinics to combat the outbreak, but progress has been slow. Parents are warned that unvaccinated children may face a three-week school absence if exposed to the virus.

Key Details: • Over 200 measles cases reported since October 2023. • Vaccination rates among schoolchildren in Spartanburg County fell from 95% to 90%. • Unvaccinated children may miss three weeks of school if exposed to measles. • Pop-up vaccination clinics are available, but turnout has been low.

community public-health vaccination measles outbreak

People & Organizations

South CarolinaDr. Linda BellScott ThorpeDr. Stuart SimkoSpartanburg CountySouthern Alliance for Public Health LeadershipSouth Carolina Department of Public Health

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