South Carolina's measles cases have risen to 962, according to data released Tuesday by the state health department. The increase includes 12 new infections reported since Friday, signaling a continued and expanding outbreak.

Officials are warning that the measles outbreak, which has been steadily growing, could persist for several weeks or even months. This prolonged timeframe is attributed to concerningly low vaccination rates within the state, leaving a significant portion of the population vulnerable to the highly contagious disease.

Measles is an airborne disease spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can cause a high fever, cough, rash, and potentially serious complications, particularly in young children and those with weakened immune systems. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and its associated health risks. The state health department strongly encourages all eligible individuals to ensure they are up-to-date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.

The current outbreak highlights the importance of herd immunity – the protection provided when a large percentage of the population is vaccinated. Lower vaccination rates create opportunities for measles to spread rapidly, putting unvaccinated individuals at risk and potentially overwhelming healthcare resources.