The First SC measles case reported this year in the Upstate

iStThe first confirmed case of measles in South Carolina this year, more than half gone, has been confirmed in the Upstate by the state Department of Public Health, the agency announced July 9.

The individual is unvaccinated and did not have immunity from a previous measles infection, according to DPH. The person was exposed during an international trip and was not contagious while traveling. 

According to DPH, the individual is isolating at home to prevent further spread of the virus.

Outbreak unlikely

“We have no reason to believe at this time that this case will cause an outbreak in this state,” said Brannon Traxler, DPH’s chief medical officer, during a briefing July 9.

DPH confirmed the measles diagnosis after receiving test results from its certified public health laboratory. The agency has begun a contact investigation and is notifying people who may have been exposed. Traxler said due to privacy laws, her agency could not provide more specifics about the infected individual’s identity or location.

Traxler said the initial investigation indicated those people potentially exposed who had close contact with the positive case were also isolating as a precaution.

“Measles is highly contagious, and a serious disease caused by a virus that affects the respiratory tract. This virus spreads quickly, which is why we must act now to prevent its spread,” said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist and Health Programs Branch director.

Measles is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. The initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, and runny nose. These symptoms are followed by a rash. The rash usually lasts five or six days.

The virus can be spread through the air when a person with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the sick person is gone from the area. People with measles should stay home from work or school for four days after their rash first appears.

According to Traxler, the last case in South Carolina was an individual in September 2024. Prior to that, there was an outbreak of six cases in 2018.

Vaccination recommended

The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. 

The measles vaccine is over 97% effective. According to DPG, children should receive two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine: the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at 4 to 6 years of age. Children 6 to 12 months should get an early dose of MMR vaccine if they are traveling to a country where measles is common. 

For all ages, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are going to be traveling to another country. Most people born before 1957 were infected with measles during childhood and therefore are presumed to have protection via natural immunity, even if they have not been vaccinated. 

Certain groups of people, including pregnant women and immunocompromised people, should not receive the MMR vaccine or should delay receiving it. DPH recommends and encourages people to speak with their health care provider to evaluate the risks and benefits of vaccination. 

For more information on measles, visit the DPH website or the CDC website.