South Carolina Measles Outbreak: Expert Explains Rising Cases and Vaccine Hesitancy

Measles Outbreak in South Carolina

• 📈 South Carolina has confirmed 138 reported cases of measles, a highly infectious disease, with the outbreak beginning in October.
• ⚠️ This marks the highest number of measles cases nationwide since the US declared the disease eliminated 25 years ago, with over 1900 cases this year.
• 📉 The expert attributes the resurgence to parents withholding vaccinations for their children.
• 😥 Before the vaccine, 400-500 children died annually from measles; now, the US is seeing deaths again, turning back progress.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation

• 💡 A recent decision by the CDC formally adopted individual-based decision-making for the Hep B vaccine for newborns of mothers who test negative for the virus.
• ✅ Professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend continuing the routine administration of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

Rising Flu Cases

• 🤧 Flu cases are increasing nationwide, with nearly 500 reported in one doctor's office since the previous Wednesday.
• 💉 It is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu, and experts urge people to do so promptly to prepare for a potentially substantial influenza season.