South Carolina Measles Cases Hit 789, Surpass Texas Outbreak

Is the measles outbreak caused by anti-vaccine misinformation or by eroded public trust from COVID-era policies?

Published 1 day ago

South Carolina Measles Cases Hit 789, Surpass Texas Outbreak

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Above: A health center in Lubbock, Texas, where the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is administered, on Feb. 27, 2025. Image credit: Ronaldo/Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Left narrative

South Carolina's measles outbreak — 789 cases and counting — is the direct result of plummeting vaccination rates, not a mysterious virus mutation. Unvaccinated Americans traveled overseas, brought measles back, and spread it through communities that abandoned proven public health measures. This disaster was entirely preventable and stems from treating social media influencers and conspiracy theories as legitimate alternatives to science.

Terry Simpson on X

Right narrative

The measles outbreak reflects a public trust crisis that predates the current administration, rooted in botched COVID-era policies, inconsistent messaging and prolonged mandates. Despite the CDC still recommending MMR vaccines, large numbers of parents remain hesitant — understandably so, given the lack of genuine informed consent and open discussion of risks. The narrative too often blames concerned parents rather than addressing why trust has been so badly damaged by relentless vaccine pressure.

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