South Carolina reported 124 new measles cases in the last three days, bringing the total number to 558 in a rapidly expanding outbreak, according to state officials on Friday. The number of cases has nearly doubled in the past week.
The state is currently experiencing the largest measles outbreak in the United States, and health officials anticipate the situation will worsen before it improves. "We have right now the largest outbreak in the U.S., and it's going to get worse before it gets better," stated Dr. Helmut Albrecht, an infectious disease physician with Prisma Health and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, during a briefing on Friday.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash.
The surge in cases has raised concerns about vaccine exemptions in the state. While South Carolina law requires children to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) before attending school or daycare, exemptions are permitted for medical or religious reasons. The current outbreak highlights the potential public health consequences of declining vaccination rates and the importance of herd immunity.
Health experts emphasize that the MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing measles. Two doses of the vaccine provide about 97% protection against the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children receive two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Adults who are not immune to measles should also get vaccinated.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is working to contain the outbreak by identifying and vaccinating individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. DHEC urges residents to ensure they and their children are up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations. Individuals experiencing measles symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately and isolate themselves to prevent further spread of the virus.
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