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South Carolina’s Record-Breaking Measles Outbreak Declared Over as Vaccination Rates Spike

South Carolina’s Record-Breaking Measles Outbreak Declared Over as Vaccination Rates Spike

The measles outbreak in South Carolina—the largest the United States has seen in decades—has officially ended, state health officials announced Monday. The outbreak, which began in October, recorded nearly 1,000 confirmed cases and at least 21 hospitalizations over a six-month period. No new cases have been reported in over 42 days, marking two full incubation periods without transmission.

Public health experts attributed the massive surge primarily to falling vaccination rates, noting that more than 90% of cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals, the majority of whom were children. However, the severity of the outbreak appears to have sparked a "collective remembering" of the disease's danger, leading to a notable uptick in measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations among hesitant populations.

In Spartanburg County, the epicenter of the outbreak, the number of MMR doses administered nearly doubled compared to the previous year. Statewide, South Carolina saw a 31% jump in vaccinations. Preliminary CDC data suggests a similar national trend, with MMR coverage for 3-year-olds ticking above the critical 95% threshold for the first time in over a decade.

While the end of the South Carolina outbreak is a major milestone, experts warn the national threat remains high. At least 1,792 cases have been reported across the U.S. so far in 2026, with major outbreaks still simmering in regions like the Utah-Arizona state line. Health officials continue to urge vigilance and ongoing vaccination efforts to prevent the virus from reclaiming its foothold in the country.

Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.

By: CNN Newsource

April 27, 2026

South Carolina measles outbreak 2026MMR vaccination ratesSpartanburg County measlesCDC measles datavaccine hesitancy trendsBrannon TraxlerSouth Carolina health departmentmeasles elimination statusNBC Palm Springs
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The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort.

The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert.

Friday, September 18
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Palm Desert

Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members.

Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce.

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South Carolina’s Record-Breaking Measles Outbreak Declared Over as Vaccination Rates Spike