The measles outbreak in South Carolina has reached Clemson University, prompting health officials to implement isolation and contact tracing measures following a confirmed case.
The South Carolina measles outbreak has extended to Clemson University, with the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH) confirming a case associated with the institution. The university announced this development in an update released on Saturday.
According to the university’s statement, the individual has been isolated in accordance with DPH requirements. Health officials are actively conducting contact tracing to identify those who may have been exposed to the virus and are outlining necessary isolation and quarantine protocols.
Individuals believed to have been exposed will receive notifications via email regarding quarantine procedures. As of now, South Carolina has reported a total of 558 confirmed measles cases, primarily concentrated in Spartanburg County. Some of these cases are linked to travel-related exposures or close contacts with known cases, while others have no identified source, indicating that the virus is circulating within the community.
Dr. Johnathon Elkes, an emergency medicine physician at Prisma Health in Greenville, South Carolina, provided an alarming update during a media briefing on Friday. He noted that over the past week, the state has seen an increase of more than 200 new cases, effectively doubling the number of infections. “We feel like we’re really kind of staring over the edge, knowing that this is about to get a lot worse,” he said.
Despite the outbreak, nearly 98% of students on Clemson’s main campus have provided proof of immunity against measles, according to the latest data from the university’s Student Health Services. The university emphasized that the health, safety, and well-being of its campus community remains its highest priority.
Measles is known for its high contagion rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that if one person is infected, up to 90% of unprotected individuals in close proximity may also contract the virus. An infected person is contagious for four days before and after the onset of a rash, necessitating isolation until four full days have passed since the rash appeared.
Quarantine measures apply to individuals who have been exposed to the virus but lack documented immunity. This quarantine lasts for 21 days following the last exposure, as per DPH guidelines. However, individuals without documented immunity who receive a dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine within 72 hours of their last exposure are exempt from quarantine.
Clemson University has previously issued guidance to students, faculty, and staff regarding preparedness for measles outbreaks. For further information, individuals are encouraged to visit the Student Health Services website and the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s measles updates.
As the situation develops, health officials continue to monitor the outbreak closely, urging the community to remain vigilant and adhere to health guidelines.
For more details, refer to the South Carolina Department of Public Health.