South Carolina is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with over 200 cases reported and multiple hospitalizations linked to the virus.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has reported a sharp increase in measles cases, with 26 new infections confirmed since Friday. This brings the total number of cases in the current outbreak to 211.
The outbreak was first identified on October 2 in the Upstate region of the state. As of Tuesday, 144 individuals are currently in quarantine, while seven are in isolation due to the virus.
Among the 211 reported cases, 45 involve children under the age of five, 143 cases involve children aged five to 17, 17 cases involve adults, and six cases involve minors whose ages have not been disclosed. Notably, 196 of those infected were unvaccinated, four were partially vaccinated, one was fully vaccinated, and the vaccination status of 10 individuals remains under investigation.
Officials have indicated that 19 of the new cases were linked to known household exposures and previously reported school exposures, while four cases were associated with church exposures. Public health officials have identified potential exposure sites, including Sugar Ridge Elementary and Boiling Springs Elementary, and have begun notifying students, faculty, and staff who may have been exposed. Currently, nine students from these schools are in quarantine.
Additional exposures have been reported at several churches, including the Tabernacle of Salvation Church, Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, Slavic Pentecostal Church of Spartanburg, and Ark of Salvation Church. The source of one case remains unknown, while two others are still under investigation.
Although complications from measles are not routinely reported, DPH officials confirmed that four individuals, including both adults and children, required hospitalization due to complications related to the disease. Other infected individuals sought medical care but were not hospitalized.
Measles is highly contagious, and those infected can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears, often before they are aware they are infected. DPH emphasizes the importance of individuals with mild illnesses or those in quarantine to remain at home to protect others.
In a statement, officials encouraged employers to support their workers in adhering to DPH recommendations, which include staying out of work while ill or in quarantine. This approach not only protects businesses but also safeguards other employees and clients.
Vaccination remains the most effective method for preventing measles and controlling the outbreak. Despite recent updates to vaccine recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the guidelines still advocate for immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and chickenpox for all children.
As the outbreak continues to unfold, health officials urge the community to remain vigilant and prioritize vaccination to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease, according to Fox News.