Officials in the United States announced that the measles outbreak in South Carolina had grown to 185 cases, an increase of nine since earlier this week. In Friday's update, state officials specified that 172 of the cases involved patients who had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Four other cases involved patients who were partially vaccinated, four had an unknown vaccination status, and another four cases were still under investigation, according to officials. Only one of the infections involved a fully vaccinated person. The outbreak comes amid rising concerns globally about vaccine hesitancy and its impact on public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly stressed the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine, citing it as a critical tool in preventing the spread of measles.

Measles, a highly infectious and sometimes deadly virus, was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but outbreaks have occurred in recent years, primarily among unvaccinated communities. The current outbreak in South Carolina highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining high vaccination rates. The WHO warns that a decline in vaccination coverage poses a significant threat to global efforts to control and eliminate the disease.

The resurgence of measles is not unique to the United States. Several countries, including those in Europe and Africa, have experienced outbreaks, often linked to gaps in immunization coverage. Cultural beliefs, misinformation, and lack of access to healthcare contribute to vaccine hesitancy in different regions.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is working to contain the outbreak by identifying and vaccinating individuals who may have been exposed. Public health officials are urging residents to ensure they and their children are up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates are expected as the investigation continues.