A measles outbreak that began in South Carolina earlier this October continues to escalate, prompting health authorities to quarantine more than 250 individuals. Since last Friday, 27 new cases have been confirmed, bringing the total to 111. This surge places South Carolina on par with Utah and Arizona, where outbreaks have reached 115 and 176 cases respectively.

The ongoing spread threatens the United States’ status as a measles-free nation. Experts warn that if the virus remains active through January, it will have persisted for a full year, potentially re-establishing endemic transmission. According to public health officials, the outbreak is driven by low vaccination coverage and community exposure.

Many new infections are linked to the Way of Truth Church in Inman, where 16 cases have been traced back to church gatherings. Additionally, exposures have been identified at Inman Intermediate School, after earlier cases led to the quarantine of over 100 students across multiple schools. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination and swift containment measures to prevent further spread and protect public health.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.