South Carolina measles outbreak nears end as Chicago monitors possible airport exposure

South Carolina has gone two full weeks without a new measles case and could officially declare the outbreak over on April 26; Cook County health officials are monitoring a potential exposure at O'Hare from March 24 with no additional cases identified so far.

South Carolina's largest measles outbreak appears to be winding down. The state has gone two full weeks without a new infection and currently reports no one in quarantine or isolation for measles. The outbreak began in the Upstate region in October and has produced 997 reported cases to date. Officials say an official end could be declared on April 26, 42 days after the most recent identified case. Key facts: - South Carolina has gone two full weeks without a new measles case. - There have been 997 reported cases since the outbreak began in the Upstate region in October. - No one in the state is currently in quarantine or isolation for measles, according to the state chief medical officer. - State officials said an outbreak can be declared over on April 26, which is 42 days after the most recent case (double the 7–21 day incubation period). - The Chicago area is on alert after a potential exposure at O'Hare International Airport on March 24. - Cook County's communicable disease team has not identified any additional cases, and experts note airports can be difficult places to trace exposures. Summary: The decline in reported cases suggests the South Carolina outbreak may be approaching its official end, though health officials remain watchful for any unrecognized transmission, especially with spring break activity. If no new cases are reported, state officials plan to declare the outbreak over on April 26; Cook County is continuing to monitor the O'Hare exposure and has not reported further cases at this time.