News Summary
Health officials in South Carolina report five new measles cases, bringing the total to 16 statewide this year. The outbreak is primarily linked to schools in Spartanburg County. Over 130 students have been quarantined, and exposure has been traced to a local fitness center. With increasing cases, health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations and announce a mobile vaccination unit to combat the spread of the virus.
Greenville, South Carolina
Health officials in South Carolina have confirmed five new cases of measles in the upstate region, contributing to a total of 16 cases reported statewide this year. This alarming increase in measles cases has primarily stemmed from an outbreak in Spartanburg County, where 12 of the confirmed cases have been linked to local schools.
As part of the response to this outbreak, more than 130 students from Global Academy and Fairforest Elementary in Spartanburg County have been quarantined due to their exposure to the virus. Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) has identified a particular exposure tied to Crunch Fitness on South Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville. Individuals who visited the fitness center on September 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. are advised to consult a healthcare provider if they suspect exposure to the measles virus.
The symptoms of measles typically include cough, fever, rash, red eyes, and a runny nose. Health officials have noted that some measles cases in the state resulted from travel-related exposures or close contacts, while others remain without identified sources, pointing towards potential community spread.
In an effort to combat the growing outbreak, SCDPH plans to provide regular updates concerning measles activity. These updates will be released twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. In addition, a mobile vaccination unit will be deployed to Spartanburg County, where individuals will have the opportunity to receive free vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella.
As of October 14, South Carolina has seen 12 confirmed measles cases in Spartanburg County and 16 statewide since the outbreak began in July. Given the measles virus’s incubation period, which can extend up to 21 days post-exposure, the public is urged to remain vigilant. Importantly, individuals infected with the virus can be contagious up to four days before and four days after the onset of a rash. Moreover, the measles virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a location, raising the risk of transmission.
The ongoing measles outbreak in South Carolina underscores the critical importance of vaccination as a tool for preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease. Health officials continue to encourage vaccinations to protect both individual and community health.
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HERE Resources
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Measles Outbreak Triggers Quarantine in South Carolina
Measles Outbreak Confirmed in Spartanburg, South Carolina
Spartanburg County Schoolchildren Quarantined Amid Measles Outbreak
Measles Outbreak in Spartanburg County Raises Concerns
Measles Outbreak Triggers Quarantine for Spartanburg Students
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
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina
- Wikipedia: Measles
- WYFF4
- Google Search: South Carolina measles outbreak
- Greenville Journal
- Google Scholar: measles outbreak South Carolina
- Greenville Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- NBC News
- Google News: measles vaccination South Carolina
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.
