Measles Outbreak Surges as Vaccine Skepticism Becomes Focal Point

Measles cases have skyrocketed in South Carolina, with 558 total infections since October and 124 new cases in the past week as the outbreak spreads to three other states; officials say most cases are among unvaccinated individuals and cite waning MMR vaccination rates. The surge comes amid RFK Jr.’s overhaul of the U.S. childhood immunization schedule, which does not cut the MMR vaccine but has intensified vaccine-safety debates and potentially fed declines in vaccination rates. Health authorities are urging parents to vaccinate their children promptly to restore herd immunity as the outbreak worsens.