An eighth measles case has been confirmed in the Upstate amid an ongoing outbreak, and state officials warned that more than 150 students in Spartanburg County were directly exposed to the virus.
The newest case, a Greenville County child, was announced Oct. 9. It was not immediately known whether it was connected to a seven-case outbreak announced Oct. 7 in Spartanburg County. An outbreak is three or more cases linked to a common exposure.
As of Oct. 9, there have been 11 confirmed measles cases in South Carolina this year – nine of them in the Upstate.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) said the Spartanburg County outbreak is connected to two schools – Global Academy of South Carolina, a charter school, and Fairforest Elementary, a public school in the county’s District 6.
At least 153 students at those schools were exposed to measles. All those attending the schools have been notified. DPH is seeking additional information about those defined as exposed, including their vaccination status.
About 90% of Upstate residents are vaccinated against measles, according to DPH, which is below the 93% threshold required for herd immunity.
The incubation period for measles can be up to 21 days. Measles can remain airborne in a room or vehicle for up to 2 hours after the infected person leaves, posing a high risk of infection for anyone exposed. Measles symptoms include cough, fever, runny nose and red eyes. A rash follows these symptoms, spreading from the face to the rest of the body.
DPH officials urged anyone not vaccinated to reconsider, emphasizing the vaccine is the same one that effectively eradicated the virus in the U.S. more than two decades ago. The measles vaccine typically provides lifelong protection.
More information can be found at dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/viruses-parasites-bacterial-infections/measles-rubeola.
