The measles outbreak in Upstate South Carolina has now reached a total of 25 confirmed cases, with the latest two infections linked to known cases. Health officials indicated that these individuals were in quarantine after potential exposure at two local schools. Importantly, these schools have a significant number of unvaccinated students, raising concerns about the ongoing transmission of the virus.
Details of the Outbreak
Out of the 25 cases reported in South Carolina, 22 are part of a larger outbreak concentrated in the Upstate region. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation as the number of cases continues to rise.
Related Outbreaks in Other Regions
In addition to the South Carolina outbreak, Rockland County in New York has reported a second case of measles within the last three months. This follows a major outbreak in 2018-2019 and occurs in an area with a considerable unvaccinated population. Notably, this recent case does not relate to a previous case reported in August, as the patient experienced symptoms after returning from an international trip.
Impact on Canada’s Elimination Status
Canada is currently facing a concerning situation with measles, having reported over 5,100 cases since the fall of 2024. This figure is more than double the total from the last 25 years combined. Today marks a year of continuous measles transmission in Canada, which poses a significant risk to the country’s elimination status.
- Canada eliminated measles in 1998.
- To maintain this status, local virus transmission must be absent for a minimum of 12 months.
- About 90% of recent cases have occurred in unvaccinated individuals.
The outbreak in Canada originated in Ontario and has seen all but 157 of the cases affiliated with this ongoing wave of infections. Health experts are scheduled to discuss the elimination status of various North American countries at an upcoming Pan American Health Organization meeting.
International Developments
On a global scale, Israel has reported the death of an eighth child related to its measles outbreak. The latest victim was a two-year-old girl, with all fatalities linked to unvaccinated children under three years old. This situation highlights the critical importance of vaccination in preventing serious disease outcomes.
