South Carolina measles outbreak rises to 25 cases in Spartanburg County

South Carolina is experiencing a measles outbreak primarily centered in Spartanburg County, with 25 cases reported statewide in 2025, 22 of which are linked to this Upstate outbreak. All confirmed cases have involved unvaccinated individuals, and the outbreak has affected schools such as Fairforest Elementary and Global Academy, prompting quarantine measures for exposed students who have since been allowed to return to class. The South Carolina Department of Public Health has activated a Mobile Health Unit to provide free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations to combat the spread, although initial vaccine uptake was low, increasing to 21 people vaccinated including adults and children. Public health officials emphasize that the MMR vaccine, with a target herd immunity rate of 95%, is highly effective and the best prevention against measles. The department continues to adjust the deployment of mobile clinics to improve convenience and access, with several upcoming vaccination sites scheduled in Inman and Boiling Springs. Officials remain concerned about potential additional cases despite quarantine efforts and are encouraging vaccination to limit further transmission.