U.S. Faces Second Measles Surge as South Carolina Outbreak Intensifies

The United States reported 84 new measles cases nationwide in the past week, marking the highest weekly total since April and raising concerns about a second surge as the year ends.

According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the spike represents more cases in a single week than at any point since the West Texas outbreak peaked in April.

The current surge is primarily driven by an outbreak in South Carolina, which has reported at least 114 cases since October. The state's outbreak now rivals the earlier West Texas cluster that dominated the first half of the year.

Nationally, the U.S. has recorded more than 1,900 measles cases in 2024. Health officials warn that if the outbreak extends into January, the country risks losing its measles elimination status—a designation achieved when a disease is no longer continuously transmitted within a region for 12 months or more.

The CDC continues to monitor the situation as vaccination rates and outbreak containment measures remain critical to preventing further spread.