The measles outbreak in South Carolina could soon come to an end. The state Department of Public Health (DPH) reported no new infections in its Tuesday update, as the potential April 26 end date approaches.
Officially declared in October, South Carolina's measles outbreak grew into the nation's largest since measles was declared eradicated in 2000. DPH reported 997 outbreak-related cases of the disease through mid-March and last reported a single new outbreak-related case March 17.
DPH credited an uptick in January and February measles, mumps and rubella vaccination numbers compared to the same months in 2025 with helping slow the disease's spread.
The agency has called vaccination the best way to prevent measles and has recommended children ages 6 to 12 months get an early dose of the MMR vaccine if traveling to a country where measles is common.
Of the 997 cases, 940 have been reported in Spartanburg County residents. Residents in Greenville County, Anderson County, Pickens County, Cherokee County, Lancaster County and Sumter County have, too, contracted the disease.
A span of 42 days, or twice the disease's 21-day incubation period, without a new reported case is needed before the outbreak can be declared over.
On Friday, April 17, DPH reported a case of measles in a Saluda County adult who contracted the disease during international travel. The case will not impact the Upstate outbreak's potential finale because it is unrelated.
Forty-one people are currently in quarantine related to the Saluda County exposure, and the last day of quarantine for the bunch is May 9.
Nationwide cases have continued to grow. Nineteen new measles outbreaks have been reported across the country this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of April 17, the nationwide case total sat at 1,748, or 540 cases away from matching last year's case count.
Fever and a runny nose are some of the initial symptoms of the disease. The symptoms are typically followed by a rash that typically begins on the face.
