The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today reaffirmed its commitment to protecting communities across the United States as it works closely with the South Carolina Department of Public Health and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to contain and prevent measles outbreaks. At South Carolina’s request, CDC disease detectives from the agency’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) are supporting on-the-ground response activities. They will also analyze outbreak data from both South Carolina and North Carolina in partnership with state and local officials.

Their specialized expertise in epidemiology and outbreak investigation will help identify transmission patterns, strengthen containment strategies, and guide targeted vaccination and prevention efforts to protect communities.

To support these efforts, CDC continues to provide a comprehensive suite of surge resources and technical assistance tailored to regional needs, including:

• Assignment of experienced CDC technical and epidemiologic experts, including a CDC epidemiologist already embedded with the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
• Advanced laboratory testing and genomic sequencing support to rapidly identify and track cases.
• Robust data analysis, outbreak modeling, wastewater testing expansion, and real-time situational assessments.
• Direct support for measles case classification and mitigation strategy development.
• Vaccines made available upon request to support rapid response efforts.
• Expert guidance on infection prevention, control, and post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Comprehensive educational resources, community outreach materials, and strategic risk communication support.
• Funding to support response activities.
• Ongoing coordination with state and local partners to ensure evolving needs are met, including resources from the CDC Foundation.

Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya recently joined a national webinar with more than 2,000 public health partners from across the country to discuss CDC’s role in preventing and containing measles and to hear directly from state and local leaders.

Bhattacharya emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration in the CDC response effort. “Trust is the foundation of public health, earned through openness, honesty, and guided by the best available evidence,” he said. “As we work with partners across the country to contain measles, I can assure you we’re listening and are here to offer a wide range of tools, including vaccine supplies, to state and local public health partners.”

Prevention Remains the Priority

Bhattacharya recently shared a public video message outlining CDC’s comprehensive measles response, highlighting the agency’s surge of resources, close coordination with states, and continued emphasis on Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination as the most effective tool to prevent measles and protect communities nationwide.

The CDC continues to emphasize:

• The benefits of the MMR vaccine far outweigh the risks.
• Serious reactions are extremely rare.
• Vaccination substantially reduces the likelihood of infection and limits outbreak spread.
• High vaccination coverage protects infants and others who cannot be vaccinated.

CDC remains fully engaged in protecting the nation’s health and will continue providing transparent updates and coordinated support to help ensure communities have the tools they need to prevent and contain measles.