Measles Outbreak Update: No New Cases Since March 17, Total Holds at 997

South Carolina DPH News

Published April 7th, 2026

Detected April 8th, 2026

Summary

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported no new measles cases since March 17, keeping the Upstate outbreak total at 997 cases. No individuals are currently in quarantine or isolation. The outbreak appears stable pending the 42-day no-case period required for declaration of outbreak end.

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What changed

SC DPH issued its Tuesday measles outbreak status update confirming the total case count remains at 997 with no new cases reported since March 17. The agency announced it will shift to weekly Tuesday updates, with biweekly media briefings resuming April 15 and a concluding briefing scheduled for April 27. The Friday updates are discontinued.

Healthcare providers and public health authorities should note that outbreak end requires 42 consecutive days with no new cases, placing the earliest possible end date at April 26. The case breakdown shows 932 unvaccinated individuals (93.5% of cases), with 264 cases under age 5 and 639 cases aged 5-17. Vaccinated individuals with two-dose MMR sequence account for only 26 cases, underscoring vaccine effectiveness.

What to do next

Monitor for weekly Tuesday updates through April 27
Continue promoting MMR vaccination as the primary prevention measure
Be prepared to resume briefing frequency if any new case is reported

Source document (simplified)

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TUESDAY MEASLES UPDATE: DPH Reports No New Measles Cases Since Friday, Outbreak Total Remains 997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 7, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. ― Today, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reporting no new cases of measles in the state since March 17, keeping the total number of cases in South Carolina related to the Upstate outbreak at 997.

There currently are no people in quarantine or isolation. If no new cases are reported, the last day of the outbreak will be April 26.

Moving forward, unless there is a new case, DPH’s reporting rhythm for the duration of the outbreak will be the following: weekly updates on Tuesdays; biweekly media briefings, with the next one on April 15; and a concluding media briefing on Monday, April 27, the details of which will be provided closer to the day.

There will be no measles media briefing this week or the week of April 20, and the Friday updates will be discontinued.

If a new case is reported, DPH will immediately notify the media and resume briefings and updates as appropriate.

A period of 42 days with no new cases is required to declare an end to a measles outbreak. This is double the number of days for an incubation period (21 days) and a clear indicator of a broken transmission chain.

Vaccination continues to be the best way to prevent measles and stop this outbreak. Vaccines are available at many primary care provider offices and pharmacies, as well as DPH Health Departments.

To stay up-to-date on the latest measles outbreak information, visit our dedicated webpage here. For additional data related to the outbreak, visit our Measles Dashboard.

Outbreak Data Points
Age breakdown of 997 cases:
Under 5: 264
5-17: 639
18+: 87
Unknown: 7

Vaccination status:
932 unvaccinated, 20 partially vaccinated with one of the recommended two-dose MMR sequence, 26 vaccinated with the two-dose MMR sequence, and 19 unknown.