South Carolina measles outbreak is largest in US since measles was declared eliminated – CNN

Report on the Measles Outbreak in South Carolina and Its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Overview of the Outbreak

The measles outbreak in South Carolina has become the largest in the United States since the disease was declared eliminated over two decades ago. As of Tuesday, 789 cases have been reported, surpassing a previous outbreak in Texas which had 762 cases and resulted in two child fatalities.

Since October, South Carolina has reported over 600 cases in 2026 alone. At least 18 individuals, including adults and children, have been hospitalized due to measles complications. No deaths have been reported in the current outbreak.

Current Measures and Impact

• 557 individuals are currently in quarantine due to potential exposure without immunity.
• Exposures have been reported in three additional schools, adding to quarantines in 20 other schools.
• Cases linked to this outbreak have also been identified in North Carolina, Washington, and California.

Historical Context and Trends

1. Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, defined as no continuous transmission for over a year.
2. Before 2025, the average annual measles cases were approximately 180.
3. In 2025, confirmed cases rose dramatically to over 2,200, the highest since elimination.
4. As of early 2026, 416 confirmed cases were reported nationwide, with ongoing outbreaks including one along the Arizona-Utah border.

Risk to Measles Elimination Status and Public Health Response

The resurgence of measles places the US at risk of losing its elimination status, which the Pan American Health Organization may revoke in April 2026. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes vaccination as the most effective prevention method, highlighting the historic achievement of measles elimination largely due to vaccination efforts.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is supporting South Carolina’s response with $1.4 million in aid and coordination with state health officials. However, shifts in federal leadership have introduced alternative treatment focuses alongside vaccination.

Vaccination and Community Immunity Challenges

• The majority of cases involve children not fully vaccinated with the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine.
• Over 700 of the 789 cases lacked full vaccination.
• Vaccination rates in Spartanburg County, the outbreak epicenter, were at 90% in the 2024-25 school year, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
• MMR vaccines are widely available and free for many through programs such as Vaccines for Children and health insurance.

Public Health Recommendations

State health officials are promoting vaccination through mobile health units and public awareness campaigns to contain the outbreak. The Department of Public Health urges unprotected individuals to get vaccinated promptly to prevent further spread and protect communities.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being by controlling vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles.
• Strengthening health systems and vaccination programs to prevent outbreaks and reduce morbidity and mortality.
• Providing equitable access to vaccines through public health initiatives and insurance programs.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Maintaining high vaccination coverage in schools to safeguard children’s health and ensure uninterrupted education.
• Implementing school-based vaccination campaigns and quarantine measures to minimize disease transmission.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Addressing disparities in vaccination rates across communities, particularly in areas with lower immunization coverage.
• Ensuring vulnerable populations have access to vaccines and healthcare resources.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Collaboration between federal agencies, state health departments, and international organizations to monitor and respond to outbreaks.
• Coordinated efforts to maintain measles elimination status and share data on transmission patterns.

Conclusion

The measles outbreak in South Carolina highlights critical challenges in vaccination coverage and public health response, with significant implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health, education, and equity. Continued emphasis on vaccination, community engagement, and multi-sectoral partnerships is essential to control the outbreak and sustain the US’s progress in measles elimination.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on the measles outbreak in the United States, highlighting public health challenges, vaccination efforts, and disease control.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article mentions coordination between federal and state health departments, and international organizations like the Pan American Health Organization, reflecting partnerships in health governance.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.
   • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Incidence of Measles Cases
   • The article provides data on the number of measles cases reported in South Carolina and other states, which can be used as an indicator of disease incidence (e.g., number of confirmed measles cases per year).
2. Vaccination Coverage Rates
   • Vaccination rates among students (e.g., 90% in Spartanburg County) are mentioned, which serve as indicators of immunization coverage essential to prevent outbreaks.
3. Hospitalization and Mortality Rates
   • Number of hospitalizations and deaths related to measles are reported, which indicate the severity and impact of the outbreak.
4. Quarantine Numbers
   • The number of people quarantined due to exposure reflects the extent of disease transmission and control measures.
5. Elimination Status
   • The risk of losing measles elimination status is mentioned, which is an indicator of sustained interruption of transmission.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cnn.com