Safety alert in South Carolina: Measles outbreak reported in upstate SC

A measles outbreak in Upstate South Carolina, along with warnings from State Epidemiologist Linda Bell, has put the entire state on alert.

Statewide concern over measles outbreak

Working with the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Bell revealed that “our concern level is for the entire state” after eight cases were reported in the Upstate region, with five suspected to be linked to one school. A minimum of three connected cases is considered the threshold for an outbreak, according to state officials.

Three cases, two in July and one in September, are thought to have resulted from international travel, while another infection occurred within South Carolina. The sources of two additional cases remain unknown.

The exact locations of the infections have not been disclosed for privacy reasons.

There were more than 1,500 reported cases of measles in the United States at the end of September, the highest recorded figure in approximately 30 years.

Highly contagious disease

“We just want people to recognize how highly transmissible this virus is, and that it doesn’t matter what region you live in,” Bell said. “We are seeing unrecognized spread in the state.”

Data shows that 90% of people exposed to measles will become infected if they have no immunity through previous infection or vaccination.

While South Carolina’s vaccination or immunity rate is estimated at 90%, experts say 95% coverage is required to prevent transmission and outbreaks. As a result, Bell has a clear message for anyone not yet vaccinated: get the shot as soon as possible.

Measles symptoms and how the virus develops

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the first symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include a high fever (which may spike above 104°), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

Two to three days after symptoms begin, infected individuals may develop small white spots inside their mouths. Three to five days later, a measles rash usually appears. It often starts as flat red spots on the face near the hairline before spreading to other parts of the body.

Some people also develop small bumps on the red spots, which may merge together as they spread. A fever higher than 104° may accompany the rash.

Who is most at risk?

Young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for infection. Pregnant women and people with autoimmune diseases are unable to be vaccinated against measles.

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