South Carolina measles outbreak is now larger than Texas 2025 outbreak, new data shows

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South Carolina is currently facing a significant measles outbreak, with nearly 800 cases reported so far, surpassing a previous outbreak in Texas in 2025. The outbreak, which began in October, has affected 789 individuals, with an increase of 89 cases just since Friday. Most of the cases are concentrated in Spartanburg County in the northwestern part of the state, and 18 people, including children, have been hospitalized as a result.

In comparison, a West Texas outbreak in 2025 sickened 762 people, resulting in two deaths and 99 hospitalizations, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The outbreak was declared over in August 2025. Similar to the current situation in South Carolina, the majority of affected individuals in Texas were children who were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.

It is alarming to note that the majority of patients in the South Carolina outbreak are not vaccinated, with only 20 out of 789 individuals receiving the full two-dose vaccine. Over 690 people were completely unvaccinated, while 14 had only received the first dose of the vaccine series. Additionally, the vaccination status of 60 patients remains unknown. Children under the age of 17 account for over 88% of the cases in South Carolina, leading to the quarantine of students in 20 area schools.

The United States experienced a surge in measles cases in 2025, with over 2,200 cases reported nationwide, including those in Texas and the beginning of the South Carolina outbreak. As of 2026, the country has already recorded over 400 measles cases, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is crucial for individuals to stay informed about the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles and other infectious diseases. Public health officials continue to emphasize the significance of vaccination to protect individuals and communities from outbreaks like the one currently impacting South Carolina.