South Carolina's measles outbreak continues to expand, with confirmed cases now reaching 876, making it the largest outbreak reported in the United States in several decades. However, health officials say there are early signs that the situation may be starting to improve.
The outbreak began in October and, within 16 weeks, had already crossed the size of the Texas outbreak seen in 2025. Recently, the pace of new infections has slowed. On Tuesday, state health authorities reported 29 new cases, a noticeable drop compared with previous weeks. State epidemiologist Linda Bell said it is still too early to confirm whether the outbreak is truly easing, but officials remain cautiously optimistic.
Bell noted that vaccination outreach efforts appear to be showing results. Earlier, mobile vaccination clinics saw low turnout, but that trend has changed. In Spartanburg County, the center of the outbreak, vaccinations rose by 162 percent in January compared with the same month last year. Across South Carolina, vaccination rates increased by 72 percent, which officials say is critical to controlling the spread of the virus.
Measles can lead to serious health problems, including brain inflammation and pneumonia. Bell said at least 19 people so far, both children and adults, have required hospital treatment.
Separately, measles cases have also been reported at two Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities. One case was confirmed earlier in January at a detention center in Florence, Arizona. More recently, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed at least two cases among people held at a family detention center in Dilley, Texas.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.