South Carolina Department of Public Health reported 44 new cases Feb. 6 in the ongoing measles outbreak centered in the Upstate.
The total number of cases now stands at 920 since the outbreak began. There are currently 277 people in quarantine and eight in isolation.
Several new public exposures were identified, including:
- Target at 6025 Wade Hampton Blvd. in Taylors on Jan. 30, 8-10:15 p.m.
- Rick Erwin’s Level 10 Restaurant at 225 W. Main St., Unit 100, in Spartanburg on Jan. 29, 7 p.m.-midnight
- Boost Mobile at 1515 Asheville Hwy. in Spartanburg on Jan. 29, 2-5 p.m.
- Social Security Administration at 145 N. Church St. in Spartanburg on Jan. 29, 1-4 p.m.
Vaccination continues to be the best way to combat the outbreak and slow the spread of the disease, according to DPH. Measles vaccines are available at many primary care provider offices, pharmacies and at DPH health clinics.
DPH reported a significant increase in vaccinations in January. More than 16,800 doses were administered statewide compared to 7,000 the previous January. In Spartanburg County, where the majority of the outbreak cases are located, vaccinations increased 162% year-over-year.
A mobile vaccination unit will be available at no cost at the following dates and locations:
- Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Zion Hill Baptist Church, 34 Blackstock Road, Inman
- March 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Grace Community Church, 570 Magnolia St., Spartanburg.
Measles symptoms to watch for typically begin 7-12 days (but up to 21 days) after exposure, and include cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, and fever followed by a rash two to three days later that starts on the face then spreads to the rest of the body.
For more information, visit dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/viruses-parasites-bacterial-infections/measles-rubeola.
