The South Carolina Department of Health announced 12 new measles cases, bringing the total to 962 as of Tuesday evening. This increase follows a notable rise since last Friday, amid official warnings that the outbreak could continue for weeks or even months due to slow vaccination rates.
The current outbreak began in October, mainly affecting the northwestern part of the state, particularly Greenville and Spartanburg, according to the public health department. Federal health data indicates this is the largest measles wave in the U.S. in over three decades.
Among the infected, 893 were unvaccinated, 20 received only one dose of the MMR vaccine, and 26 received both recommended doses, while the vaccination status of 23 individuals is unknown. Currently, 127 people are under quarantine, and 8 cases have been isolated.
Meanwhile, the Maine Center for Disease Control reported 4 additional cases, bringing the total lab-confirmed cases to 5, following the first case recorded on February 6, which involved an unvaccinated individual in contact with the initial patient.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin McCary urged citizens to get the measles vaccine, emphasizing that vaccinating children remains the most effective protection against the disease.
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