CDC sends scientists to Carolinas to address measles outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent officials from its Epidemic Intelligence Services to North and South Carolina to assist in containing the measles outbreak. The officials are working closely with the South Carolina Department of Public Health to support response activities such as identifying transmission patterns, strengthening containment strategies and guiding vaccination and prevention effort, as well as analyzing outbreak data from North and South Carolina in partnership with state and local officials. South Carolina health officials said infections seem to be slowing due to a strong vaccination response in February, which rose 70% compared with rates in February 2025. South Carolina has close to 1,000 cases. (CDC news release, 3/9/26)