COLUMBIA, S.C. — Health officials have confirmed additional measles cases in South Carolina and Michigan, bringing the total number of infections in the United States this year to 1,563, according to data published by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). The growing number marks one of the largest nationwide outbreaks in recent years, underscoring concerns about falling vaccination rates and regional clusters of unvaccinated populations.
New Infections Reported Across States
Public health departments in both South Carolina and Michigan reported new laboratory-confirmed cases this week, expanding a pattern of spread that has affected more than two dozen states since early 2025.
State officials say the cases involve individuals who were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, consistent with national trends showing that most recent infections have occurred among people lacking full immunity.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed that its latest case was detected in the Upstate region, with contact tracing underway. “We are working to notify anyone who may have been exposed and are urging residents to verify their vaccination status,” DHEC officials said in a statement.
Experts Warn of Outbreak Risks
Epidemiologists warn that measles remains highly contagious, with one infected person capable of spreading the virus to 90% of nearby unvaccinated individuals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to emphasize the importance of the MMR vaccine, which provides strong protection against both measles and mumps…