Measles Outbreak Declared Over in South Carolina
The measles outbreak that recently gripped South Carolina has officially concluded, as reported by the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The outbreak, which totaled 997 cases, predominantly affected unvaccinated individuals, with the majority of cases occurring in the Upstate region of the state.
Dr. Edward Simmer, the Interim Health Department Director, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing measles in a statement released on Monday. “The best way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine, which is safe and 97% effective. Even as this outbreak ends, measles remains a risk. If you or your children are not protected against measles, I encourage you to talk with a health care provider to learn more about the risks and benefits of the MMR vaccine and determine if it is right for you and your family,” he said.
Children made up over 90% of the cases, with nearly all lacking the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine. Spartanburg County bore the brunt of the outbreak, accounting for 940 of the reported infections.
Health officials have confirmed that it has been 42 days since the last new measles case was identified, surpassing the virus’ incubation period twice, thus meeting the criteria to declare the outbreak officially over.
