A preventable health crisis is unfolding in South Carolina. At least 153 unvaccinated students are now quarantining after being exposed to measles at two public schools — part of a growing outbreak in the state.

This isn’t just a local issue. Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe illness, including pneumonia, brain swelling, deafness, and even death. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours — putting every student, teacher, and staff member at risk.

And yet, South Carolina’s school vaccination policies aren’t being enforced consistently. Immunization rates are slipping below the 95% threshold needed for community protection (herd immunity). In the Upstate region, the immunity rate has dropped to just 90%.

We can’t let personal choices endanger public safety — especially the health of children, infants too young to be vaccinated, and immunocompromised students.

We, the undersigned, call on the South Carolina Department of Public Health, the Department of Education, and Governor Henry McMaster to:

• Strictly enforce school vaccine requirements for the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine in all public and private schools
• Limit non-medical exemptions and require documentation for any exemption claims
• Provide immediate MMR catch-up clinics in affected counties like Spartanburg to increase access
• Ensure students who were quarantined cannot return to school without proof of vaccination or legitimate medical exemption.

The CDC has made it clear: the MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and essential for stopping measles outbreaks. Without action, South Carolina risks becoming a hotspot for an entirely preventable disease.

This is not about politics — it’s about science, safety, and our children’s right to learn in a healthy environment.