South Carolina health officials have declared an end to a measles outbreak that affected the state, marking the conclusion of one of the larger recent outbreaks in the United States.

The outbreak infected nearly 1,000 people before state authorities determined it was over. The declaration follows established protocols for determining when an outbreak has concluded based on the absence of new cases over a specified period.

Despite the resolution in South Carolina, measles continues to spread in other parts of the country. More than 20 outbreaks are currently active across various U.S. states, indicating ongoing transmission of the highly contagious virus.

Measles is a viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets and can cause serious complications, particularly in young children and adults with compromised immune systems. The virus had been declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, but outbreaks continue to occur, often linked to unvaccinated populations or international travel.

The continuing presence of multiple active outbreaks nationwide highlights ongoing public health challenges related to measles prevention and control in communities with lower vaccination rates.