Health Alert: Measles Outbreak Reported in Upstate South Carolina, Officials Urge Immediate Vaccination
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina health authorities are warning residents statewide after a measles outbreak was confirmed in the Upstate region, marking one of the state’s most significant public health alerts in recent years.
State Health Officials Confirm Measles Outbreak
The South Carolina Department of Public Health and State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell confirmed that eight cases of measles have been reported in the Upstate, with five linked to one school. Officials say the cluster meets the threshold for a public health outbreak.
Dr. Bell said three of the confirmed cases appear tied to international travel, one infection occurred within the state, and two additional cases have no identified source, suggesting local community spread. “Our concern level is for the entire state,” Bell emphasized, urging residents to take precautions regardless of location.
“Highly Contagious” Virus Spreading Beyond Upstate
Experts warn that measles is among the most contagious diseases in the world, spreading rapidly through air and close contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected.
Dr. Bell stated that unrecognized transmission is likely occurring in South Carolina, noting that vaccination coverage statewide sits around 90%, below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. “We just want people to recognize how highly transmissible this virus is, and that it doesn’t matter what region you live in,” she said.
Symptoms and Health Risks
The CDC reports that symptoms of measles usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Within a few days, small white spots may develop inside the mouth, followed by a distinctive red rash that spreads from the face down the body.
Young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of serious complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation. Pregnant women and those with autoimmune diseases cannot receive the vaccine, heightening concern for unvaccinated populations.
Statewide Vaccination Effort Urged
Public health leaders are calling on residents who have not received the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) to get immunized immediately. The vaccine is 97% effective in preventing infection, and officials hope increased coverage will halt further spread.
The CDC reports that more than 1,500 measles cases have been confirmed across the United States this year — the highest national total in nearly three decades.
Anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about possible exposure should contact their local health department or medical provider for testing and guidance.
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