South Carolina is grappling with a growing measles outbreak that has prompted the state's health department to quarantine over 250 people. The latest round of cases brings the total number of infected individuals to 111, surpassing outbreaks in neighboring Utah and Arizona.
According to officials, nearly all of those infected - 105 out of 111 - are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. This alarming trend is attributed to low vaccination rates in affected areas, particularly in Spartanburg County and Greenville County. The two counties have vaccination rates below the 95 percent target needed to halt community transmission.
To combat the spread of measles, public health officials are taking a proactive approach, including identifying new exposures at schools and churches. Inman Intermediate School has seen over 40 students placed under quarantine so far, while 43 students from Way of Truth Church in Inman were also quarantined after exposure to cases linked to the church.
Measles is highly contagious, with up to 90 percent of susceptible individuals contracting the virus upon exposure. People infected with measles are infectious for up to four days before and after the appearance of a rash.
As the outbreak continues to spread, health officials stress that vaccination remains the best defense against measles. With nearly 2,000 cases reported nationwide this year - a 33-year high - it's clear that misinformation about vaccines is playing a significant role in the resurgence of measles.
If the current transmission of measles isn't halted by January, the virus will have circulated for 12 consecutive months, marking its return as an endemic disease in the US.
According to officials, nearly all of those infected - 105 out of 111 - are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. This alarming trend is attributed to low vaccination rates in affected areas, particularly in Spartanburg County and Greenville County. The two counties have vaccination rates below the 95 percent target needed to halt community transmission.
To combat the spread of measles, public health officials are taking a proactive approach, including identifying new exposures at schools and churches. Inman Intermediate School has seen over 40 students placed under quarantine so far, while 43 students from Way of Truth Church in Inman were also quarantined after exposure to cases linked to the church.
Measles is highly contagious, with up to 90 percent of susceptible individuals contracting the virus upon exposure. People infected with measles are infectious for up to four days before and after the appearance of a rash.
As the outbreak continues to spread, health officials stress that vaccination remains the best defense against measles. With nearly 2,000 cases reported nationwide this year - a 33-year high - it's clear that misinformation about vaccines is playing a significant role in the resurgence of measles.
If the current transmission of measles isn't halted by January, the virus will have circulated for 12 consecutive months, marking its return as an endemic disease in the US.
is so scary! why some ppl don't vaccinate their kids 
it's like they dont know how contagious it is 
and now its spreading fast 
we need to get people vaccinated ASAP 
95% vaccination rate is key 
anyone below that is an infection waiting to happen 
schools and churches gotta take this seriously 
and parents need to educate themselves about measles 
misinformation is killing us 
And it's not like the vaccine doesn't work or anything - we've had it for years. But now everyone's all anti-vaxx, thinking that the vaccine causes more harm than good? It just doesn't make sense to me. 
I mean, 95% vaccination rate in those counties... what's going on? Did we really go back to living like that now? 
) and it's all because of low vaccination rates 
. We gotta think about those who can't get vaccinated (like the young'uns with weakened immune systems) and make sure we're protectin' everyone 
.
! Measles is no joke, folks... it's a major health risk 
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.
. Newsflash: measles can kill you, especially if you're not a kid anymore. 90% of susceptible people get sick just by being exposed? That's insane! We need to prioritize our health and get the shot already 
. It's crazy to think that over half of those infected aren't even fully vaccinated 
. It's not rocket science, folks! Vaccines are proven to save lives and prevent outbreaks like this one 
. And it's really unfortunate that misinformation is playing a role in all this 
.
. I mean, we're talking up to 90% chance of getting infected if you're exposed 
.
esp in south carolina 
105 outta 111 cases all unvaxx or partially vaxx and now they're trying to quarantine schools 