News Summary
Spartanburg County, South Carolina, faces a serious public health crisis as over 150 unvaccinated students are quarantined following a measles outbreak. With seven confirmed cases, health officials are emphasizing the necessity for vaccinations. The outbreak predominantly affects Fairforest Elementary School and Global Academy, which collectively have around 1,400 students. Health professionals warn of serious complications associated with measles, and as a response, mobile health clinics will enhance access to vaccinations. Parents are urged to follow health guidelines to prevent further spread within the community.
Spartanburg County, South Carolina is facing a significant public health challenge as more than 150 unvaccinated students have been quarantined due to an ongoing measles outbreak. The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed seven cases of measles related to this situation, marking a concerning development for the community.
The quarantine specifically affects students from Fairforest Elementary School and Global Academy, which are part of Spartanburg School District 6 and a public charter school, respectively. Together, these institutions have a total enrollment of nearly 1,400 students, with at least 11% of them being unvaccinated against measles. Health officials have identified the 153 students who were exposed to the virus, and they will remain at home for a duration of 21 days to prevent further spread.
All confirmed cases of measles in South Carolina this year, totaling 11, have involved unvaccinated individuals without prior immunity. This year’s tally is notable, as it represents the highest number of cases since measles was declared eradicated more than 20 years ago. The latest confirmed case was reported in a child from nearby Greenville County.
State epidemiologist Linda Bell has pointed out that community transmission of measles is occurring, emphasizing the critical need for vaccination. Symptoms of measles typically include fever, cough, red eyes, and runny nose, followed by a rash that can spread across the body. This rash has the potential to last up to a week, and severe cases can lead to complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis, which can be fatal for young children.
Health professionals warn that the measles virus can remain airborne for up to two hours, posing a risk of transmission even without direct contact with an infected person. As a precaution, exposed students will continue their education through virtual classes while in quarantine.
Statistics show that up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to the measles virus are likely to contract the illness. To combat this outbreak, the South Carolina Department of Public Health is enhancing access to measles vaccinations via mobile health clinics. Vaccines are generally available at doctors’ offices, health departments, and pharmacies, with most health insurance plans covering the cost of the measles vaccine. In some cases, unvaccinated individuals who have been exposed may receive a vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to lessen the severity of symptoms.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically administered to children, with the first dose given between one year and 15 months of age and a second dose between ages 4 and 6. South Carolina mandates that all children in public and private schools stay up to date on their vaccinations, although exemptions can be made for religious or medical reasons.
Recently, Spartanburg County has been noted for having one of the lowest vaccination rates among school children in South Carolina. Just under 90% of K-12 students have submitted completed vaccination forms, a drop from over 98% statewide a decade ago, with the current statewide rate being 94%. Over recent years, the portion of students obtaining religious exemptions has risen significantly, with more than 8% of students in Spartanburg County receiving such exemptions for the 2024-2025 school year.
Fairforest Elementary School reported having around 830 students last year, while Global Academy had approximately 565 students enrolled. In light of the outbreak, parents of affected students have been notified and provided with guidance to help prevent additional transmission of the disease. Following health guidelines is crucial to avoiding further cases in the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Measles Outbreak in Spartanburg County Schools
Child Confirmed with Measles in Greenville County
Measles Outbreak in Spartanburg County Linked to Local Schools
Measles Outbreak in Spartanburg County Raises Concerns
Spartanburg County Experiences Measles Outbreak Linked to Schools
Ongoing Measles Outbreak in Spartanburg County
South Carolina Reports Surge in Measles Cases
Measles Outbreak Triggers Quarantine for Unvaccinated Students in Spartanburg County
Measles Outbreak in Spartanburg County Raises Concerns
Senator Bernie Sanders Calls for Health Secretary’s Resignation
Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Measles
- SC Daily Gazette
- Google Search: Measles outbreak South Carolina
- WYFF News 4
- Google Scholar: measles outbreak South Carolina
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Fox Carolina
- Google News: Spartanburg measles outbreak
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.
