Measles Outbreak in South Carolina Leads to Quarantines for Over 150 Students
GREENVILLE, S.C. – A measles outbreak in South Carolina’s Upstate region has prompted 21-day quarantines for at least 153 unvaccinated children, state health officials announced. The cases, centered in Spartanburg and Greenville counties, signal active, unrecognized community transmission of the highly contagious virus.
The outbreak began in Spartanburg County, with seven cases confirmed since September 25th. Transmission was identified in two schools: Fairforest Elementary and Global Academy, a public charter school. Following exposure at thes schools, over 150 unvaccinated children were placed in quarantine, barring them from attending classes, officials stated during a recent press conference.
A recent case confirmed in Greenville County is perhaps linked to the Spartanburg outbreak, though the source of infection remains unclear.
“What this case tells us is that there is active, unrecognized community transmission of measles occurring in the Upstate [northern region of South Carolina], which makes it vital to ensure that the public have received their measles vaccinations,” the South Carolina Department of Public Health said in an proclamation.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, providing approximately 97% protection against measles with two doses. This protection is considered lifelong. Without vaccination, the virus is extremely contagious, infecting 90% of susceptible individuals exposed. Measles can remain airborne for up to two hours in an enclosed space after an infected person has left. The maximum incubation period for the virus is 21 days,the time between exposure and the potential onset of a rash.
