SCDPH: no new measles cases since Friday, out total remains 997

Today, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reports that cases of measles have been occurring since March 17, bringing the total number of cases in South Carolina related to the Upstate outbreak to 997.

There are currently no people in quarantine or isolation. If no new cases are reported, the last day of the outbreak will be April 26.

Moving forward, unless there is a new case, DPH’s reporting rhythm for the duration of the outbreak will be the following: weekly updates on Tuesdays; biweekly media briefings, with the next one on April 15; and a concluding media briefing on Monday, April 27, the details of which will be provided closer to the day.

There will be no measles media briefing this week or the week of April 20, and the Friday updates will be discontinued.

If a new case is reported, DPH will immediately notify the media and resume briefings and updates as appropriate.

A period of 42 days with no new cases is required to declare an end to a measles outbreak. This is double the number of days for an incubation period (21 days) and a clear indicator of a broken transmission chain.

Vaccination continues to be the best way to prevent measles and stop this outbreak. Vaccines are available at many primary care provider offices and pharmacies, as well as DPH Health Departments.

To stay up-to-date on the latest measles outbreak information, visit our dedicated webpage here. For additional data related to the outbreak, visit our Measles Dashboard.

Outbreak Data PointsAge breakdown of 997 cases:Under 5: 2645-17: 63918+: 87Unknown: 7

Vaccination status: 932 unvaccinated, 20 partially vaccinated with one of the recommended two-dose MMR sequence, 26 vaccinated with the two-dose MMR sequence, and 19 unknown.