Canadian Baby Dies From Measles as South Carolina Faces Growing Outbreak and Signs of Community Spread

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Health officials across North America are sounding the alarm as measles cases surge again — claiming the life of a Canadian infant and triggering a confirmed measles outbreak in South Carolina that officials say may already involve community spread.

Canadian Infant’s Death Marks Second Pediatric Fatality

According to Global News and the Public Health Agency of Canada, a premature baby in Alberta has died after the child’s mother contracted measles during pregnancy. The province has seen a dramatic spike in infections since spring, reporting 1,914 measles cases, with 1,706 involving unvaccinated children.

This marks Canada’s second infant death linked to measles in 2025. The first occurred earlier this year when a baby in Ontario — also born prematurely and with underlying health conditions — died of congenital measles.

So far, Canada has reported 5,006 measles cases, with 4,646 confirmed, making it the hardest-hit nation in North America this year. Cases have spread from Ontario to western provinces, where Alberta remains the epicenter.

Measles Rising Across the Continent

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports that Mexico has recorded 19 measles deaths, while the United States has confirmed 3 fatalities as of September. Public health agencies across the continent are warning that the disease is spreading most rapidly among unvaccinated individuals, especially children and pregnant women.

Experts attribute the resurgence to vaccine hesitancy, international travel, and delayed childhood immunizations that were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Measles Outbreak Confirmed in South Carolina

Meanwhile, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a measles outbreak in the Upstate region, identifying five new cases within the last month — all among unvaccinated patients with no prior immunity from infection or vaccination.

That brings the state’s total to eight measles cases in 2025, DPH said.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell warned that two of the five recent patients had no known exposure source, suggesting unrecognized community transmission.

“We anticipate more cases will be identified and implore community members to act responsibly,” Bell said. “If you are ill, stay home.”

Isolation and Prevention Measures

All infected individuals are currently under isolation, following federal and state public health guidelines. Officials are urging residents — particularly families with school-aged children — to review vaccination records and ensure protection through the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that measles is one of the most contagious viruses on earth, capable of infecting up to 90% of unvaccinated people who come into close contact with an infected person.

Global Measles Resurgence

Across North America, health experts warn the resurgence of measles signals a reversal of decades of progress against the disease, which was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.

Public health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination campaigns to prevent outbreaks like the one currently unfolding in South Carolina.

Do you think schools and childcare facilities should require stricter proof of vaccination during outbreaks to protect children and infants? Share your thoughts and join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.