The Upstate measles outbreak total has now climbed to nearly 800 cases with 89 new cases and additional school exposures confirmed, the state Department of Health reported Jan. 27.
The outbreak still seems largely confined to Spartanburg County, but cases have been confirmed in Anderson, Cherokee and Greenville counties. DPH reports there are 557 people in quarantine and 20 in isolation.
New school exposures
New school exposures have been identified at Dorman High, Inman Intermediate and New Prospect Elementary in Spartanburg County. The number of students required to be in quarantine at these schools is still being determined, according to DPH.
Just shy of 340 students remain in quarantine at 20 previously identified schools, almost all of which are in Spartanburg County.
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.
Vaccination continues to be the best way to combat the outbreak and slow the spread of the disease. Measles vaccines are available at many primary care provider offices, pharmacies and at DPH health clinics.
For more information, visit dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/viruses-parasites-bacterial-infections/measles-rubeola.
