Here & Now Anytime What sparked the nation's worst measles outbreak in decades
Feb 18, 2026
Dr. Martha Edwards, a pediatrician leading South Carolina’s AAP chapter, explains how low vaccination rates and community mistrust fueled a rapid measles spread. Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, reflects on Jesse Jackson’s influence and the long arc of racial and economic justice. They discuss vaccine hesitancy, outbreak risks, Jackson’s strategy of economic pressure, and the legacy that shapes today’s activism.
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Herd Immunity Threshold Matters
- Measles needs about 95% vaccination coverage to stop spread in communities.
- South Carolina's drop below that threshold allowed localized spread to expand.
Historical Mistrust Shapes Vaccine Choices
- Immigrant communities from Slavic-speaking countries may carry mistrust of government vaccine programs.
- That historical distrust translates into hesitancy in the U.S. despite reassurances about safety.
Policy, Politics, And Platforms Drove Exemptions
- Multiple forces fueled rising religious and nonmedical exemptions, including COVID-era politics and social media misinformation.
- Easier online exemption forms also lowered the barrier to opt out of vaccination.