The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an Upstate resident, marking the third confirmed case in the state since July 2025.
The DPH reports the individual is unvaccinated and did not have immunity from a previous measles infection. The person recently traveled internationally to a country with an ongoing measles outbreak but was not contagious during their travels. The individual is currently isolating at home to prevent further spread of the virus.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can lead to serious complications, including brain damage and death. The initial symptoms are fever, cough, and a runny nose, followed by a rash that can last for five to six days. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes and can remain infectious for up to two hours in the air after the person has left the area.
Health officials are urging both the public and healthcare providers to be aware of the symptoms. The DPH has begun a contact investigation to notify anyone who may have been exposed. The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles vaccine is over 97% effective, and children are recommended to receive two doses: the first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age. An early dose is also recommended for children traveling to countries where measles is common.
This new case is not associated with the two previous confirmed cases in July, which were a person and a known close contact. DPH encourages individuals to review their immunization records and consult with their healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of getting vaccinated.
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