News Summary
South Carolina has confirmed its first measles case since 2024, amid declining vaccination rates and rising vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation. The case, travel-related, underscores the importance of vaccinations for preventing outbreaks. With rates dropping significantly in recent years, herd immunity is at risk. Experts stress that vaccination remains the most effective method against measles, while healthcare providers continue to prepare for potential cases. Public health efforts are critical to maintaining high immunization levels and preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina has confirmed its first case of measles since September 2024, marking a concerning development amid a global rise in the disease attributed to vaccine hesitancy and the spread of misinformation. According to Dr. Brannon Traxler, Chief Medical Officer of the South Carolina Department of Health, the confirmed case is travel-related, highlighting the ongoing risk of imported infections.
Measles is known to be highly contagious, and health experts emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent the disease. The measles vaccine has a notably high effectiveness rate, providing strong immunity against the virus. While there is no specific treatment for measles, healthcare professionals can manage symptoms if an infection occurs.
Declining Vaccination Rates
Vaccination rates across South Carolina have seen a troubling decline, dropping from approximately 95% to as low as 80% in some areas. This decrease significantly impacts herd immunity, a critical factor in protecting those who cannot be vaccinated. Health officials have observed that vaccine hesitancy is often driven by distrust towards healthcare, with misinformation frequently disseminated through social media platforms.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, public skepticism regarding vaccinations has intensified. For example, between 2021 and 2025, the school systems in Beaufort reported an increase in students obtaining religious exemptions from vaccinations, alongside a decrease in those receiving required immunizations. Additionally, the kindergarten vaccination rate in South Carolina fell by over 2% from 2021 to 2024.
In South Carolina, only religious and medical exemptions for vaccinations are permitted, particularly in K-12 education settings. Medical exemptions must be approved and signed by a licensed healthcare provider, while religious exemptions require notarization from a legal guardian. It is critical to note that children with religious exemptions may be temporarily excluded from school or daycare facilities during outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Recognizing Symptoms and Risks
The initial symptoms of measles typically manifest as a high fever, reaching around 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which is then followed by a rash occurring one to two days later. Symptoms generally appear one to two weeks post-exposure, and individuals can become infectious beginning around day five of the illness. Severe complications from measles are possible, including pneumonia, severe diarrhea, brain inflammation, and, in rare cases, brain damage. Statistics suggest that about one in 20 measles cases may lead to severe pneumonia, with one in 1,000 cases resulting in death.
Although measles was considered eradicated in the early 2000s, decreased routine testing may be contributing to a resurgence of cases. Medical professionals are often advised to test for other illnesses, such as influenza or COVID-19, before considering a measles diagnosis.
Healthcare Preparations and Public Awareness
In response to the recent measles case, Hilton Head Hospital has begun retraining doctors on proper care and testing protocols for measles. The South Carolina Department of Public Health provides resources for individuals to check their vaccination status, especially if vaccinations were administered by local providers. Generally, individuals born before 1957 do not require antibody testing, as they are assumed to have contracted measles in childhood.
Children typically receive their first dose of the measles vaccine between 12 to 16 months of age and a second dose around six years. For families planning to travel to areas experiencing outbreaks—such as Texas—healthcare providers can offer guidance on the possibility of early vaccination to ensure adequate protection against measles.
This recent case reinforces the importance of staying informed about vaccinations and the safety that they provide, highlighting a shared public health responsibility to maintain high immunization levels to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Measles
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Measles vaccination
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- SC Daily Gazette
- Google News: Measles outbreak South Carolina
- WBTV
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
