South Carolina Measles Outbreak Puts Infants at Risk Due to Low Vaccination Rates
South Carolina is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, marking the worst in the United States in over 35 years. The outbreak has surpassed previous records, including last year's in Texas. Infants, who are too young to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, are particularly vulnerable. The outbreak has led to increased anxiety among parents, as the disease can cause severe health issues in infants, such as pneumonia and brain swelling. The outbreak has been exacerbated by declining vaccination rates, with less than 90% of students in Spartanburg County, the epicenter of the outbreak, having received required vaccines. This decline in vaccination rates is partly due to the ease of obtaining religious exemptions and a growing sentiment that views vaccination as an issue of personal freedom rather than public health. 
