South Carolina measles outbreak exceeds 930 cases as doctors battle vaccine scepticism
in-cyprus.philenews.com

... Dr Justin Moll began conducting outdoor triage at Parkside Pediatrics in Spartanburg in December to prevent the highly contagious virus from spreading through waiting rooms filled with infants too young for immunisation. His clinic has treated approximately 50 measles patients since the outbreak began in early October, an unprecedented caseload for the practice.

The South Carolina outbreak has surpassed 930 cases, with roughly 20 requiring hospitalisation, according to state health officials. No deaths have been reported. ...

Political leaders retreat from vaccine advocacy

Some South Carolina Republicans now question the backlash against routine immunisation but find themselves marginalised.

"I now believe that some folks have overreacted in the other direction and oppose any and all vaccines, even ones that have been tried-and-true for decades," Josh Kimbrell, a Republican state senator running for governor, wrote last month to a Spartanburg County school board.

When he posted the letter online, Kimbrell faced fierce criticism on social media. He did not respond to requests for comment. ...