News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Health has confirmed a measles outbreak in Spartanburg, with cases totaling 16. The outbreak highlights the dangers of declining vaccination rates, as many students have been quarantined due to lack of immunization. The state is responding by offering free vaccinations to curb the spread and address rising concerns about public health safety.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – The South Carolina Department of Health confirmed an ongoing measles outbreak in the state, with cases reaching a total of 16 as of October 14. This alarming increase highlights the continuing threat posed by declining vaccination rates in local communities.
The outbreak was initially identified in early October and has significantly affected Spartanburg County, which accounts for the majority of the cases. Approximately 140 students from two elementary schools in the area have been quarantined due to their lack of vaccination against measles, further illustrating the impact of the outbreak on the community.
Of the newly reported cases, five on October 14 were linked to exposures in school settings. The affected schools include Global Academy of South Carolina, a K-5 charter school, and Fairforest Elementary School. At Global Academy, a staggering 17% of students have received the required vaccinations, well below the 95% threshold needed to effectively prevent outbreaks. In contrast, Fairforest Elementary boasts a slightly higher immunization rate of 85% among its more than 760 students.
The current outbreak is reflective of a broader national trend. In 2025, the United States experienced record levels of measles infections, exceeding 1,500 cases, primarily driven by outbreaks among unvaccinated populations. Notably, there have been 44 outbreaks reported across the nation this year, with around 87% of confirmed cases associated with these outbreaks. Moreover, the 2025 outbreak in Texas tragically resulted in three deaths, including the first measles death of an unvaccinated child in a decade, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to declare that outbreak over in August 2025.
Measles, once declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, has seen a resurgence fueled by declining vaccination rates across various states, including South Carolina. Since the outbreak was identified, public health officials have noted concerning signs of “unrecognized community transmission,” as some cases show no clear exposure source. This indicates that the contagious virus is spreading within the community.
Measles is known to be highly contagious and can spread through coughing and sneezing, with the ability to linger in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms generally begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash, which usually surfaces three to five days after the initial symptoms. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, offering about 97% protection when individuals complete the recommended two-dose schedule.
In response to the outbreak, South Carolina health officials are planning to offer free vaccinations to residents to combat this alarming trend. The state health department is actively monitoring cases and advocating for increased vaccination to halt further spread of the disease. Unfortunately, misinformation surrounding vaccinations has contributed to vaccine hesitancy among the population, significantly affecting immunization rates in Spartanburg County and statewide.
The situation in Spartanburg and the increase in measles cases reflect a concerning trend consistent with under-vaccinated populations across the nation, ultimately threatening public health and community safety. The importance of maintaining high vaccination rates cannot be overstated, as it is critical for achieving herd immunity and protecting vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: South Carolina Measles Outbreak
- Wikipedia: Measles Epidemiology
- Fox Carolina: Measles Outbreak Grows
- Google Search: Measles Outbreak South Carolina
- NBC News: Measles Students Quarantined
- Google Scholar: Measles Vaccination Trends
- ABC News: Unvaccinated Students Quarantined
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles Summary
- BBC News: Measles Outbreak
- Google News: Measles South Carolina Outbreak
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
