South Carolina Measles Outbreak: 138 Cases Confirmed

Health officials in South Carolina have confirmed 138 cases of measles. The outbreak began in October. The state's Department of Health is managing the response. Measles is a highly contagious virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include high fever, cough, and a distinctive red rash. The virus can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and pregnant women. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease professor at Vanderbilt Medical Center, discussed the outbreak with CBS News. He emphasized that measles is preventable with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Health experts say vaccination is the most effective protection. They urge the public to check their immunization records.