South Carolina Measles Outbreak Doubles in a Week, Hundreds Quarantined
A rapidly escalating measles outbreak in South Carolina has doubled in a single week, reaching a total of 434 cases, according to state health officials. The surge in cases has led to 409 people being placed under quarantine.
The outbreak, which began in October, saw a dramatic increase, with 124 new cases reported since last Friday. Health officials had reported 99 new cases the previous Tuesday. On January 6, officials noted a more modest increase of 26 cases, bringing the outbreak total at that point to 211 cases.
"Health officials are urgently promoting MMR vaccinations, especially in the Spartanburg area," according to Ars Technica. They also cautioned that tracing the spread of the virus is becoming increasingly difficult.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has been providing updates on cases every Tuesday and Friday. With the outbreak doubling in just a week, health officials are renewing calls for people to get vaccinated against measles. The risk to unvaccinated individuals exposed in public places is a growing concern as the virus spreads.
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