North and South Carolina Report Measles Cases in 2026

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has reported an additional 26 cases of measles, bringing the total number of cases in Upstate South Carolina to 211.

As of January 6, 2026, DPH confirmed that 196 of these cases were among unvaccinated individuals.

Currently, 144 people are in quarantine, and seven individuals are in isolation, with the latest quarantine period ending on January 28, 2026.

Based on the recent cases in South Carolina, DPH has identified public exposure at two schools: Sugar Ridge Elementary and Boiling Springs Elementary.

Exposures have also been reported at several churches, including Tabernacle of Salvation Church, Slavic Pentecostal Church of Spartanburg, Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, and Ark of Salvation Church.

Although complications from measles are not reportable, DPH has learned that four individuals, including both adults and children, required hospitalization due to complications. Additional cases received medical care for measles but were not hospitalized.

DPH emphasizes that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and stop this outbreak.

The department has confirmed it will prioritize requests for MMR vaccination events if received and will take steps to increase appointment availability for MMR vaccinations at health department locations, should demand rise. Vaccines are available at many primary care providers' offices, pharmacies, and DPH Health Departments.

According to the U.S. CDC, North Carolina has also reported measles cases in 2026.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Division of Public Health announced additional measles cases among three siblings in Buncombe County. The family had recently visited Spartanburg County, South Carolina.

The CDC also clarified that measles vaccine breakthrough cases are rare, as the two-dose MMR vaccine regimen is highly effective, typically over 97% effective at preventing the disease