US experiencing largest measles outbreak since 2000 – 5 essential reads on the risks, what to do and what’s coming next

Public health scholars worry that the resurgence of measles may signal a coming wave of other vaccine-preventable diseases.

By: Alla Katsnelson, The Conversation, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 6, 2026

Words: 1,099

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By Alla Katsnelson, The Conversation

The measles outbreak in South Carolina reached 876 cases on Feb. 3, 2026. That number surpasses the 2025 outbreak in Texas and hits the unfortunate milestone of being the largest outbreak in the U.S. since 2000, when the disease was declared eliminated here.

The outbreak is exposing the breadth of dangers the disease can pose. South Carolina’s state epidemiologist revealed on Feb. 4 that cases of brain swelling, …

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