COLUMBIA, S.C. — The measles outbreak centered in Upstate South Carolina has intensified, with health officials confirming nine new cases on Friday and hundreds of students now in quarantine. The update comes as the contagious virus appears to have crossed state lines, with North Carolina reporting its first confirmed case linked to the regional spread.
On Friday, Dec. 19, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reported that the total number of cases in the Upstate outbreak has reached 144. This brings the statewide total for the year to 147.
Simultaneously, reports from WBTV indicate that the outbreak has breached the border, with North Carolina officials confirming their first case of measles on Friday. Health experts have warned for weeks that the high traffic between the Upstate and the Charlotte region made cross-state transmission a significant risk.
Community Spread and “Unknown” Sources
Of the nine new cases reported in South Carolina since Tuesday, DPH officials identified a concerning trend: the source of exposure for three of the patients is unknown. This suggests that “community spread” is occurring outside of known clusters like households or specific institutions.
The remaining new cases were traced to:
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Household members: 4 cases
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Way of Truth Church (Inman): 1 case
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School exposure: 1 case
Hundreds of Students in Quarantine
Schools continue to be a primary battleground for containment. DPH announced new exposures at New Prospect Elementary, where 56 students have been placed in quarantine. These students were notified on Dec. 17 and, if they remain symptom-free, are scheduled to return to class on Jan. 2, 2025.
They join a growing list of students in quarantine across the region:
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Campobello Gramling School: 66 students
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Berry Shoals Elementary: 35 students
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Boiling Springs Elementary: 17 students
In total, 224 people are currently in quarantine, and four are in isolation across the affected area.
Vaccination Status and Demographics
Health officials stressed that the outbreak is being driven almost entirely by unvaccinated individuals. According to the DPH data breakdown of the 144 cases:
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137 were unvaccinated.
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3 were partially vaccinated.
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1 was vaccinated.
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3 had unknown status.
The virus is predominantly affecting children, with 126 of the cases involving minors under the age of 18. Only 12 cases have been confirmed in adults aged 18 and older.
Health Advice and Next Steps
Measles is highly contagious, capable of spreading four days before a rash appears. This means individuals with mild symptoms can unknowingly infect others.
“To help stop the spread of measles, it is very important for those who have even mild illness or are in quarantine to stay home to protect others,” the DPH stated. Officials are urging employers to support workers who need to isolate.
What to do if you suspect exposure:
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Do not go directly to the doctor: DPH encourages those potentially exposed to call a health care provider before seeking care. This allows clinics to make arrangements to prevent infecting other patients in waiting rooms.
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Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are available at primary care offices, pharmacies, and DPH Health Departments.
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Mobile Units: Community partners can request a DPH Mobile Health Unit visit to schedule vaccination events.
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