Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jan 30: A historic measles outbreak is unfolding in the United States, with the contagious disease spreading rapidly and raising alarm among health officials as vaccination rates remain low.

South Carolina has become the epicentre of the latest surge, reporting 789 confirmed measles cases as of January 27, surpassing last year’s major outbreak in Texas. The ongoing outbreak, centred primarily in Spartanburg County, now represents one of the largest measles surges in the country since measles was declared eliminated over two decades ago.

At least 18 individuals — including children and adults — have been hospitalised with measles-related complications in South Carolina, though no deaths have been reported so far. Most of those infected were unvaccinated, reinforcing concerns about gaps in immunisation coverage.

Health experts warn the current spread threatens to undo decades of public health progress. Nationwide, measles continues to circulate, with parents and health authorities urging vaccination, especially in areas where community immunity has dropped below critical thresholds.

Measles, a highly contagious viral illness marked by fever, cough and a distinctive rash, can lead to severe complications — especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. The resurgence underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining high vaccination coverage and controlling outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Health departments across states are monitoring the situation closely, and public health officials are emphasising the importance of the measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine as the most effective defence against further spread.