Measles is in the crisis stage

Measles is in a crisis stage, particularly for Spartanburg and the Upstate, say epidemiologists of the SC Department of Health.

South Carolina is experiencing a significant measles o

The DPH Reports 124 New Measles Cases in Upstate, New Public Exposures, and Upcoming Vaccination Opportunities.

Recent figures bring the total Upstate outbreak to 434 cases. There are currently 409 people in quarantine and 17 in isolation. The latest end of quarantine for these is Feb. 6.

Why is the measles so fast-spreading?

Doctors say that the flu can contaminate three others, but the measles can infect 12.  And the virus can linger in the room for up to 2 hours after the carrier has left.

Young children are particularly vulnerable, often ending up in the hospital, and some die.

That’s why authorities are urging the public to get the vaccine. It puts a shield before you.  And if you do contract the measles, your symptoms and your downtime are drastically reduced.

A person was confirmed to have attended the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia while infectious. People who visited the museum between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2 may have been exposed. The person did not know they were infectious at the time of the exposure.

The incubation period for measles is usually 7 to 14 days but can be up to 21 days. Therefore, people exposed at this location who are not immune could begin developing early measles symptoms now. DPH is asking anyone who was at the museum during that specific day and time to contact a health care provider if you believe you may have been exposed and you develop symptoms, or if you do not have immunity to measles. People who were exposed, especially those without immunity through vaccination or previous disease, should monitor for symptoms through Jan. 23.

People should monitor for measles symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Symptoms of measles include cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and fever, followed by a rash 2 to 3 days later that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.  

If anyone who may have been exposed develops the above symptoms with fever (101°F or higher), with or without a rash, immediately call a health care provider and let them know about the exposure and symptoms so they can tell you what to do next. Precautions such as masks and separate waiting areas will be needed to evaluate you without putting others at risk of exposure. You may be asked to stay at home until the doctor clears you.

In response to the ongoing measles outbreak in the Upstate, DPH will activate its Mobile Health Unit (MHU) this week to offer measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations, as well as flu vaccinations, to the public at no cost during the following dates and times:

• 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 320 Wheeler Court, Spartanburg, SC 29306

• 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 320 Wheeler Court, Spartanburg, SC 29306

The MMR vaccine is safe and is the best way to protect against the virus. Vaccination now can avoid long quarantines at home for those exposed to the measles virus. Vaccination within 72 hours of exposure can prevent measles infections. Vaccines are available at many primary care provider offices and pharmacies, as well as DPH Health Departments.

Any community partners or organizations interested in scheduling a vaccination event from DPH’s MHU can request a visit to their location by completing this form on our website. DPH will prioritize requests for MMR vaccination events, if received, and will also take steps to increase appointment availability for MMR vaccination in health department locations, should demand dictate.

To stay up-to-date on the latest measles outbreak information, visit our dedicated webpage here.

Outbreak Data PointsAge breakdown of 434 cases:Under 5: 1055-17: 28718+: 36Minors under 18 (age undisclosed): 6

Vaccination status:378 unvaccinated, 3 partially vaccinated with one of the recommended two-dose MMR sequence, 6 vaccinated, and 47 unknown.