South Carolina measles outbreak and implications for the U.S.

Since October, South Carolina has reported more than 840 measles cases concentrated in the Spartanburg area, mainly among unvaccinated people. Public health officials say the spread could affect the United States' measles elimination status and will be reviewed by regional health authorities in April.

South Carolina is experiencing a large measles outbreak that began in October and has grown primarily in the Spartanburg area. Vaccination coverage in parts of the region has fallen below levels needed to limit spread, and cases have been concentrated among people who were not immunized. The outbreak has been linked to some hospitalizations and has resulted in cases reported in other states after travel. Regional health authorities will review whether the United States has lost its measles elimination status in April. Key facts: - The outbreak began in October in Spartanburg and has resulted in more than 840 reported measles cases to date. - Most reported cases have been in people who were not vaccinated, and local clusters and increases in religious exemptions have reduced community immunity. - The Pan American Health Organization will review U.S. measles data in April to assess whether elimination status has been lost. Summary: The outbreak highlights gaps in vaccination coverage that have allowed measles to spread beyond a single area and to other states. The immediate procedural next step is the April review by regional health authorities to determine the country's measles elimination status; the broader public health implications are under assessment and undetermined at this time.