News Summary
South Carolina has reported its first case of measles since September 2024. The infected individual, an unvaccinated Upstate resident, contracted the virus during international travel. Health officials are conducting a contact investigation and raising awareness about vaccination as rates have fallen below the threshold for herd immunity. The CDC has reported over 1,200 measles cases nationwide, emphasizing the need for increased vaccination efforts to combat the disease’s resurgence.
South Carolina has confirmed its first case of measles since September 2024. The case is associated with an Upstate resident who is currently unvaccinated. Health officials believe the individual contracted the virus during international travel; however, they were not contagious while traveling and are currently in isolation at home to prevent further spread.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can easily spread through respiratory droplets. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space. Initial symptoms of measles include a high fever (around 104 degrees), followed by a cough, runny nose, and eventually a rash that typically appears one to two weeks after exposure. Complications from measles can be severe, including pneumonia, diarrhea, and brain inflammation, with the potential for fatal outcomes in about one out of every 1,000 cases.
The South Carolina Department of Health is actively conducting a contact investigation to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the infected individual. In light of this situation, a spokesperson from the Beaufort County School District indicated that they will provide education about measles transmission and symptoms to those who may have had close contact.
The measles vaccine is over 97% effective at preventing infection and is widely regarded as the best means of protection. However, vaccination rates in South Carolina have fallen below the 95% threshold necessary for herd immunity. Recent data shows that the kindergarten vaccination rate has decreased by over 2% from 2021 to 2024. Specifically in Beaufort County schools, the number of students with religious exemptions has increased while the percentage of vaccinated students has diminished significantly.
The decline in vaccination rates has been associated with rising vaccine hesitancy, driven largely by the spread of misinformation and distrust, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, healthcare experts are stressing the importance of getting vaccinated against measles, as the disease was believed to have been eradicated in the early 2000s and has not been routinely tested for in recent years.
In response to the outbreak, Hilton Head Hospital is proactively retraining its staff to effectively handle potential measles cases and ensure preparedness for any future outbreaks. Children are generally advised to receive their first dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine between the ages of 12 to 16 months, with a second dose recommended at ages 4 to 6 years. Furthermore, individuals born before 1957 are typically considered to have presumed immunity due to probable childhood infections.
As of July 1, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 1,267 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., resulting in three fatalities throughout the same year. The current situation in South Carolina highlights the ongoing threat posed by measles, especially in areas where vaccination rates are declining. Health officials continue to urge families and communities to prioritize vaccinations to safeguard against the resurgence of this preventable disease.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Health Secretary Faces Backlash Over Budget Cuts and Vaccination Views
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Measles
- Medical Xpress
- Google Search: measles
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: measles vaccination
- Charleston City Paper
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- SC Daily Gazette
- Google News: measles outbreak
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
