The largest measles outbreak in decades in the United States, which occurred in South Carolina, has officially ended. The outbreak lasted about six months and resulted in nearly 1,000 confirmed cases and at least 21 hospitalizations. No new cases have been reported for over 42 days, marking the end of the outbreak.
Public health officials attribute the rise in measles cases to falling vaccination rates, with more than 90% of cases in South Carolina and nationwide occurring among people who had not received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, there has been a slight uptick in MMR vaccination rates among young children in the U.S.
South Carolina health leaders credit increased vaccination coverage, along with contact tracing, case investigation, and quarantine protocols, for helping control the outbreak. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with one dose providing about 93% protection and two doses raising that protection to 97%.
Experts are cautiously optimistic about the potential shift in vaccination trends, considering the recent surge in measles cases and outbreaks. They emphasize the importance of continued efforts to combat measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases across the country.
The recent increase in MMR coverage among young children is seen as a positive sign, but experts stress the need for ongoing messaging about vaccination to maintain high coverage rates and prevent future outbreaks. Further data on vaccination coverage trends, including among kindergartners, is expected to be released by the CDC in the coming months.
