UPDATE: A total of 153 unvaccinated students in South Carolina are now under quarantine for a critical 21 days following confirmed exposures to the highly contagious measles virus, state health officials announced just moments ago. This urgent measure comes as the state grapples with a growing outbreak that has already reached at least eight confirmed cases of measles.
The affected students attend two schools in Spartanburg County: Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary. Officials report that all quarantined students are unvaccinated, highlighting growing public health concerns amid declining vaccination rates.
In a shocking revelation, 11 measles cases have been reported across South Carolina this year alone, with the national tally hitting a staggering 1,563 cases, the highest level since 1992, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This spike has resulted in 44 outbreaks nationwide, a significant increase compared to just 16 outbreaks last year.
The urgency of the situation is compounded by a nationwide decline in MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination rates. Prior to the pandemic, over 95% of kindergarteners received the MMR vaccine, but that number has plummeted to 92.5% in the most recent school year. Alarmingly, this leaves approximately 286,000 kindergarteners across the country without adequate protection against measles.
The public health implications are severe, as measles can lead to serious complications, particularly in unvaccinated children. With the outbreak spreading, parents are urged to ensure their children are vaccinated to prevent further cases.
As the situation develops, officials stress the importance of vaccination and staying informed about the risks associated with measles exposure. Health experts are closely monitoring the outbreak and its impact on local communities.
Stay tuned as we continue to provide updates on this urgent public health crisis and what it means for families in South Carolina and beyond.
