South Carolina leads the U.S. in measles cases — here’s what local health experts are saying

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — South Carolina currently has the highest number of measles cases across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials confirm a total of 876 cases including 29 new cases since Friday — prompting them to respond with updates and new safety measures.

“About 95% of them are unvaccinated,” says Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist with the SC Department of Public Health.

The vast majority of reported cases are in Spartanburg County — with others in Greenville, Anderson, and Cherokee Counties.

And now Bell say one additional case has been confirmed in Sumter County, with the link to that person’s exposure is unknown.

However, there is positive data as well — with a strong increase in MMR vaccinations reported in January, the highest seen in years.

“Over 7,000 more doses of measles vaccines were given statewide of January 2026 as compared to January of 2025, that’s a 72% increase,” says Dr. Bell.

This also includes a 162% increase of vaccinations in Spartanburg County.

“I’m hoping what we can attribute that to is a wider recognition of the threat of this disease in our communities and the desire to be protected against complications,” says Dr. Bell.

Complications can include brain swelling, pneumonia, and even death in children, as well as devastating effects to pregnant women, according to OBGYN Dr. Kendreia Dickens-Carr with Prisma Health.

“There’s an increased risk of miscarriages, stillbirth, and premature delivery,” says Dr. Dickens-Carr.

Because of the rise in cases, Dr. Robin LaCroix with Prisma Health says visitors and patients entering an emergency room or pregnancy delivery site will now be required to wear a mask — until they’re assessed by a nurse or doctor.

“If you have watched the commercials of the guy who sneezes and the particles go flying out, that is exactly what happens when someone sneezes or someone coughs, those respiratory droplets are extruded into the environment,” says Dr. LaCroix.

Dr. Anna Kathryn Burch says with the ongoing outbreak, doctors are recommending that children 6 to 11 months of age, be given the MMR vaccine early, as opposed to getting their first dose at 1-year-old.

“So this is the best way that we can offer protection to those infants at that age range from 6 months to 11 months of age,” says Dr. Burch.

Doctors stress the measles vaccine is 97% effective.