South Carolina Measles Outbreak Update

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Published March 20th, 2026

Detected March 21st, 2026

Summary

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported no new measles cases since Tuesday, maintaining the Upstate outbreak total at 997. The update also provided demographic and vaccination status breakdowns of the cases. The department continues to emphasize vaccination as the primary prevention method.

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What changed

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) issued an update on March 20, 2026, reporting no new measles cases in the state since Tuesday, keeping the total outbreak cases at 997. The update also noted two individuals currently in quarantine with an end date of March 28, and provided a detailed age and vaccination status breakdown of the 997 confirmed cases.

This notice serves as an informational update on the ongoing measles outbreak. While no new regulatory changes or compliance actions are mandated by this specific update, it reinforces the importance of vaccination and public health monitoring. The DPH continues to recommend vaccination as the best way to prevent measles and stop the outbreak, directing individuals to primary care providers, pharmacies, and DPH Health Departments for vaccine availability.

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FRIDAY MEASLES UPDATE: DPH Reports No New Measles Case in Upstate Since Tuesday, Keeping Outbreak total at 997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 20, 2026

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

There are currently two people in quarantine and none in isolation. The latest end of quarantine for these cases is March 28.

A period of 42 days with no new cases is required to declare an end to a measles outbreak. This is double the amount 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: 8

Vaccination status:
932 unvaccinated, 20 partially vaccinated with one of the recommended two-dose MMR sequence, 25 vaccinated with the two-dose MMR sequence, 1 vaccinated with three MMR doses, and 19 unknown.