News Summary
Spartanburg County, South Carolina, is facing a measles outbreak associated with Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary School. Seven confirmed cases have been reported since the outbreak began, prompting health officials to exclude unvaccinated students from in-person classes until the risk decreases. Health professionals highlight the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread, as measles is highly contagious. Recent national statistics show a significant number of outbreaks, with the Upstate region experiencing notably low vaccination rates, raising concerns for public health safety.
Spartanburg County, South Carolina is currently experiencing a measles outbreak linked to two local schools—Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary School. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) revealed on October 7 that there have been a total of seven confirmed cases since the outbreak began on September 25, with eight reported cases in Spartanburg County this year. The outbreak is classified as three or more cases of the same infectious disease tied to a common exposure.
DPH officials are actively coordinating with school authorities to implement precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding the health of students, teachers, and staff. As part of these measures, students who may have been exposed to the virus have been identified and temporarily excluded from participating in school activities until the risk of further transmission has diminished. Specifically, all unvaccinated students will not be allowed to attend in-person classes through October 22, during which they will receive virtual instruction.
Among the confirmed cases, Fairforest Elementary School has reported three cases, while Global Academy has been linked to the outbreak without disclosing specific numbers. Health professionals are stressing the crucial role of vaccination, particularly since measles is known for its high contagiousness and the ease of spread within congregate environments such as schools.
Early signs of measles typically manifest as fever, coughing, red eyes, runny nose, and a facial rash that gradually extends across the body. Notably, the measles virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected individual vacates an enclosed area, facilitating the potential for further infection.
In a broader context, South Carolina has reported a total of 10 confirmed measles cases so far in 2025, with eight occurring in Spartanburg County. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented 1,544 confirmed cases across 41 states this year, representing over 40 separate outbreaks. Factors contributing to the outbreak in Spartanburg County include some cases stemming from travel-related contacts and others with no identifiable source, suggesting the possibility of the virus spreading within the community.
The Upstate region of South Carolina notably has the lowest vaccination rates in the state, raising concerns about the risk of future outbreaks. To keep the public informed, the DPH has established a dedicated webpage to provide regular updates on the measles situation, which will be refreshed by noon every Tuesday and Friday.
In summary, the ongoing measles outbreak in Spartanburg County is a pressing public health concern linked to two local schools, prompting health officials to take significant preventive measures, primarily focused on vaccination and the exclusion of unvaccinated students from in-person educational settings. The DPH continues to monitor developments as it collaborates with schools to enhance safety and reduce transmission risks.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Rise in Religious Vaccine Exemptions in Upstate South Carolina
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Spartanburg Schools Measles Cases
- Wikipedia: Measles
- Fox Carolina: Measles Cases Confirmed in Spartanburg
- Google Search: Measles Spartanburg Outbreak
- WSPA: Two More Measles Cases in Spartanburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Outbreak News Today: South Carolina Measles Outbreak
- Google News: Spartanburg Measles Outbreak
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg School Measles Outbreak
- Google Scholar: Measles
- WYFF4: Measles Outbreak in Spartanburg County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vaccination
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
