News Summary
In Spartanburg, South Carolina, over 150 unvaccinated schoolchildren are on a 21-day quarantine due to exposure to measles. This follows the state’s eighth confirmed case of the disease, highlighting low vaccination rates in local schools. The CDC reports a national surge in measles cases, raising public health concerns. Authorities are emphasizing vaccination, as the MMR vaccine is 97% effective. Free vaccinations are being offered to control the outbreak and prevent further transmission among the community.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – More than 150 unvaccinated schoolchildren are currently under a 21-day quarantine after being exposed to measles as South Carolina grapples with a surge in cases of the disease. This quarantine protocol is in place to mitigate the risk of disease transmission among the community, as the affected children are missing school during this period.
In recent weeks, South Carolina has reported its eighth confirmed case of measles, highlighting a concerning trend in the state’s public health landscape, particularly in the Spartanburg County area. The outbreak has been notably concentrated in two local schools: Global Academy of South Carolina, which has an alarmingly low vaccination rate of 17%, and Fairforest Elementary, with a vaccination rate of 85%. The low rates in these schools are contributing to the spread of this highly contagious virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a broader trend, reporting 1,563 confirmed cases of measles across the United States in 2025—the highest number in over 30 years. This surge in cases aligns with a similar outbreak in neighboring states such as New Mexico and Texas, where three fatalities have been linked to the disease. Other states reporting measles cases include Utah, with 55 cases, and Arizona, with 63 cases, as the nation faces increasing challenges in outbreak management.
Measles poses serious health risks, including complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling. The disease is known to be highly contagious and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected individual has departed from an area. Symptoms typically manifest as high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a distinctive rash. Given the severity and transmission potential of measles, health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is reported to be 97% effective in preventing measles infections. Despite its proven efficacy, South Carolina’s vaccination rate has fallen to 90%, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. This decline has raised alarms among public health officials, who are now observing active, unrecognized community transmission of measles in the Upstate region.
In light of this outbreak, authorities are planning to offer free vaccinations as a proactive response aimed at containing the spread of the virus. Unvaccinated individuals, particularly those identified as having been in contact with confirmed cases, are being quarantined to prevent further transmission of the disease, as all identified cases thus far have occurred exclusively among unvaccinated individuals.
This situation underscores the growing concerns related to vaccine skepticism and the resultant decrease in vaccination rates, a factor contributing to the resurgence of measles not only in South Carolina but also across various regions in the United States and Canada. In Canada, for instance, there have been 5,024 reported cases of measles, reflecting a critical public health challenge that requires swift and effective management.
As authorities continue to respond to this outbreak, individuals are urged to verify their vaccination status and consider immunization to protect themselves and their communities against the potential threat posed by measles.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: South Carolina Measles Outbreak
- Wikipedia: Measles
- WYFF4: Measles Outbreak in South Carolina
- Google Search: Measles epidemic
- The State: Measles Cases in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Measles Outbreak
- ABC News: Quarantine of Students
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- ABC Columbia: SCDPH Measles Update
- Google News: Vaccination rates in 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.
