News Summary
In Spartanburg County, South Carolina, a measles outbreak has led to the quarantine of over 150 unvaccinated students, with 11 confirmed cases this year. This alarming situation is linked to Fairforest Elementary and Global Academy, both of which have low vaccination rates. The DPH is encouraging vaccinations and providing access to mobile health clinics to mitigate the outbreak, highlighting the virus’s high contagion risk and emphasizing the importance of immunization.
Spartanburg County, South Carolina is currently facing a significant public health challenge as over 150 unvaccinated students have been quarantined due to a measles outbreak. The outbreak is linked to seven confirmed cases at Fairforest Elementary School and Global Academy, both situated in the county. These schools together serve nearly 1,400 students, with an estimated 11% of them being unvaccinated against measles.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has reported a total of 11 measles cases in the state this year, marking the highest number since the disease was declared eradicated more than two decades ago. All reported cases involve individuals who have not been vaccinated and lack previous immunity against the virus. The most recent confirmed case occurred in a child from Greenville County, prompting the DPH to investigate potential interactions between this child and those at the affected schools.
Symptoms of measles, which include fever, cough, red eyes, runny nose, and a characteristic rash, can emerge after initial symptoms appear. Notably, the measles virus is highly contagious, capable of remaining airborne for up to two hours, which means that individuals can become infected without direct contact with someone who has measles. Students identified as having been exposed are required to stay home for 21 days, the typical incubation period for the virus. The DPH emphasizes that up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus are likely to contract it.
In response to the outbreak, the DPH is taking proactive measures to increase access to measles vaccinations, particularly through mobile health clinics in areas with limited healthcare resources. Vaccines are available at doctors’ offices, health departments, and pharmacies, and most health insurance plans cover the costs. Parents are encouraged to vaccinate their children promptly as receiving a dose of the vaccine within 72 hours of exposure may prevent illness or lead to milder symptoms.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically administered during childhood, but unvaccinated adults can also receive it, barring pregnant women and those with specific autoimmune disorders. In Spartanburg County, vaccination rates among K-12 students are notably low, with just under 90% of students providing completed vaccination forms. Furthermore, the proportion of students obtaining religious exemptions from vaccinations has risen sharply, increasing from less than 1% in the 2014-2015 school year to more than 3.3% in the most recent academic year. During the 2024-2025 school year, over 8% of the county’s approximately 58,000 students received a religious exemption, marking the highest rate in South Carolina.
Fairforest Elementary School has reported three confirmed cases among its roughly 830 students. Students who have been excluded from attending school will be required to participate in virtual classes and complete their assignments from home. Spartanburg School District 6 has reassured parents that no additional measles cases have been identified in other schools within the district.
For privacy reasons, the DPH does not disclose personal information about individuals who have contracted measles. Parents have received communications from the DPH regarding preventative measures and guidance about their children’s exposure status during this outbreak.
The outbreak serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vaccinations and public health measures in preventing highly contagious diseases like measles.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4
- Wikipedia: Measles
- WSPA
- Google Search: Measles outbreak Spartanburg
- Fox Carolina
- Google Scholar: Measles epidemics
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- WISTV
- Google News: Measles 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.
