South Carolina Measles Outbreak Update - 997 Cases, No New Infections

South Carolina DPH News

Published April 3rd, 2026

Detected April 4th, 2026

Summary

South Carolina DPH reported no new measles cases since March 17, keeping the Upstate outbreak total at 997 cases. The outbreak has been ongoing since 2025 with 932 unvaccinated, 20 partially vaccinated, and 26 fully vaccinated individuals among confirmed cases. No persons are currently in quarantine or isolation.

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What changed

The South Carolina Department of Public Health issued its Friday measles update confirming no new cases have been reported since March 17, 2026. The Upstate outbreak remains at 997 total cases with the following breakdown: 264 cases under age 5, 639 cases aged 5-17, and 87 cases aged 18 and older. Of the 997 cases, 932 were unvaccinated, 20 partially vaccinated with one dose of MMR, and 26 fully vaccinated with two doses.

No immediate compliance action is required from regulated entities as this is an informational status report. The outbreak may be declared ended if no new cases are reported through April 26, 2026, which would complete the required 42-day period with no new infections. Healthcare providers and public health entities should continue vaccination outreach as the primary prevention measure.

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FRIDAY MEASLES UPDATE: DPH Reports No New Measles Cases in Upstate; Outbreak Total Remains at 997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 3, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. ― 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.

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.