COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Upstate residents to confirm their vaccinations are up to date.
The DPH has identified a concerning uptick in cases of illnesses such as measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and varicella (chicken pox), diseases that had previously been limited or nearly eliminated due to the effectiveness of vaccines.
As of Dec. 3, 2025, data show that from 2020 to 2025, the Upstate region has experienced 23 outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases:
- 156 total cases of the measles as of Dec. 26.
- 470 total cases of whooping cough
- 503 total chicken pox cases
The unfortunate increase in these diseases is linked to declining vaccination coverage in that region and, frankly, across the state,” state epidemiologist and Health Programs Branch director Dr. Linda Bell said…