The measles epidemic continues to expand in the United States, with a significant outbreak in South Carolina that has already surpassed the mark of 600 confirmed cases. Health authorities reported this Tuesday (20) that the advance of the disease occurs in a context of growing public distrust in relation to vaccines, a factor that has contributed to the reappearance of measles in developed countries, reports Folha de São Paulo.
The current scenario represents the worst measles outbreak in the United States in more than 30 years. In 2025, the country recorded more than 2,200 cases of the disease and three deaths associated with complications from the infection. By 2026, the numbers are still on an upward trajectory, indicating the persistence of the health crisis.
In South Carolina, the state health department recorded 88 new cases since last Friday (16), bringing the total to 646 infections since the outbreak was identified in the second half of last year. According to local authorities, most of the infected people had not been vaccinated against measles.
The cases were identified in different educational settings, including elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as two universities, which increases the risk of community spread of the disease.
The Secretary of Health in the administration of US President Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism regarding vaccines, has been accused of contributing to the worsening of the crisis by fueling fears about immunizations at a time when experts are advocating for increased vaccination coverage as the main containment strategy.
Measles is a highly contagious disease characterized by fever, respiratory symptoms, and skin rashes. In more severe cases, it can progress to pneumonia and encephalitis, posing a risk of death, especially among unvaccinated children and people with compromised immune systems.
Source: brasil247.com