The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reaffirmed its commitment on Mar. 9 to protecting communities across the United States as it works 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 are supporting on-the-ground response activities, analyzing outbreak data in partnership with state and local officials.
The CDC's involvement is important because it brings specialized expertise in epidemiology and outbreak investigation to help identify transmission patterns, strengthen containment strategies, and guide targeted vaccination efforts. These actions aim to protect communities from further spread of measles.
To support these efforts, the CDC is providing a range of resources tailored to regional needs. This includes assigning experienced technical experts such as a CDC epidemiologist embedded with the South Carolina Department of Public Health, advanced laboratory testing and genomic sequencing support, robust data analysis, outbreak modeling, wastewater testing expansion, real-time situational assessments, direct support for case classification and mitigation strategy development, vaccines upon request for rapid response efforts, expert guidance on infection prevention and post-exposure prophylaxis, educational resources for community outreach, funding for response activities, and ongoing coordination with partners including resources from the CDC Foundation.
Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya recently joined a national webinar attended by more than 2,000 public health partners to discuss the agency’s role in preventing and containing measles. Bhattacharya said: "Trust is the foundation of public health, earned through openness, honesty, and guided by the best available evidence. 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."
Bhattacharya also shared a video message outlining CDC's comprehensive response. He highlighted that MMR vaccination remains the most effective tool against measles. The CDC continues to emphasize that benefits of MMR vaccination far outweigh risks; serious reactions are extremely rare; vaccination reduces infection likelihood; high coverage protects those who cannot be vaccinated.
The CDC states it will continue providing transparent updates and coordinated support so communities have what they need to prevent or contain measles.
