US Measles Outbreak Surges with South Carolina Leading at Nearly 1,000 Cases
The CDC reports over 1,700 measles cases in the US in 2026, with South Carolina's outbreak now the nation's largest, surpassing Texas.
Key Points
- Over 1,700 measles cases reported in the US in 2026 so far
- South Carolina's outbreak of nearly 1,000 cases is now the nation's largest
- 92% of cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals
- Alabama health officials are preparing for potential local spread
Full Details
The United States is experiencing a significant measles resurgence in 2026, with the CDC reporting more than 1,700 infections nationwide. The outbreak in South Carolina has grown to nearly 1,000 cases, eclipsing the previous Texas surge to become the largest in the nation's history. Health officials note that 92% of cases occurred in individuals who did not receive the MMR vaccine, highlighting the critical role of immunization. Alabama officials, while having recorded only one case since 2002, are actively preparing for potential local spread, with state health officials stating they 'fully expect to see cases here.' The CDC estimates that 95.2% of Alabama kindergarten students were fully vaccinated for the 2024-25 school year, but declining rates in some areas threaten herd immunity.
Why It Matters
This outbreak demonstrates the vulnerability of communities with sub-optimal vaccination rates and could strain public health resources across multiple states.
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