When Kate Morrow gave birth to twins eight years ago, they were very premature and had compromised immune systems. She and her husband counted on their community to preserve their children safe, trusting that neighbors would vaccinate to protect vulnerable individuals—including their twins. But that trust has eroded.
Measles Outbreak in Spartanburg County
Morrow and her family moved to Spartanburg County, South Carolina, in 2019. The area is now the epicenter of the largest measles outbreak in the U.S. In more than three decades, with nearly 1,000 confirmed cases. Measles, described as one of the world’s most contagious diseases, was declared eliminated in the U.S. In 2000 due to widespread vaccination and school requirements. However, the country is now at risk of losing that status.
The decline in vaccination rates isn’t limited to Spartanburg County. Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, warns, “There are a lot more South Carolinas waiting to happen.” Morrow expresses frustration, questioning how vaccine hesitancy has become so prevalent: “How did we get here? How did we get to a place where we don’t trust our doctors…?”
Resentment and Misinformation
The reasons behind declining vaccination rates are complex, stemming from widespread misinformation, lingering resentment over COVID mandates, and distrust sown by politicians. Margarita DeLuca, a mother of three from neighboring Greenville County, initially opposed the COVID vaccine and mandates, believing vaccination should be a personal choice. She delayed vaccinating her eldest child, Nikko, but did get him routine shots for the first two years of his life.
After Nikko experienced a seizure following a two-year-old vaccination, DeLuca became skeptical. Though her pediatrician explained that seizures can occur with high fevers and were unlikely linked to the vaccine, DeLuca remains dubious. She has since decided not to vaccinate Nikko, now 4, or his twin infant siblings, hoping their immune systems will be stronger when they are older.
Changing Minds and Outreach Efforts
Some parents are reconsidering their decisions. Gene Zakharov, a Spartanburg resident and member of the Slavic community, initially did not vaccinate his two youngest children due to concerns about potential side effects. However, after his 13-year-old daughter was exposed to measles, he and his wife decided to vaccinate their children. Similarly, Tracy Hobbs, whose oldest child was diagnosed with autism shortly after receiving a measles vaccine, recently brought her twins to get vaccinated after learning more about the risks of measles.
State epidemiologist Linda Bell reports that vaccination rates in Spartanburg County increased by 133% in February compared to the previous year, and new measles cases have slowed. However, Scott Thorpe, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Public Health Leadership, cautions that “Spartanburg is not an outlier,” noting similar trends in neighboring areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the measles outbreak in Spartanburg County?
The measles outbreak is linked to falling vaccination rates in the county, which have dropped to just under 89%, below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.
What factors are contributing to vaccine hesitancy?
Factors include widespread misinformation, lingering resentment over COVID mandates, and distrust of vaccines fueled by some politicians.
Is measles a serious disease?
Yes, measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases and can lead to serious complications like brain swelling and pneumonia. Before vaccines were available, it killed hundreds of U.S. Children every year.
As vaccination rates continue to decline across the U.S., with 12 new outbreaks and over 1,280 confirmed cases reported this year, what steps can communities take to address vaccine hesitancy and protect public health?
