Upstate Measles Outbreak Swells to 310 Cases; Spartanburg County Remains Epicenter

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reported a significant surge in measles cases on Friday, confirming 99 new infections since Tuesday. The latest figures bring the total number of cases in the ongoing Upstate outbreak to 310, with Spartanburg County remaining the focal point of the spread.

According to health officials, 200 individuals are currently in quarantine, and nine remain in isolation. However, State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell warned that these figures may not capture the full scope of the threat.

“The number of those in quarantine does not reflect the number actually exposed,” said Dr. Bell, who serves as the incident commander for the outbreak. “An increasing number of public exposure sites are being identified with likely hundreds more people exposed who are not aware they should be in quarantine if they are not immune to measles.”

Impact on Local Schools

The outbreak continues to disrupt local education. DPH identified new exposures at Jesse S. Bobo Elementary and began notifying potential contacts on Dec. 30.

Meanwhile, students from Jesse S. Bobo, Sugar Ridge Elementary, and Boiling Springs Elementary who have successfully completed quarantine without developing symptoms are scheduled to return to class on Jan. 10. The latest quarantine period for the current group of exposed individuals is set to end on Jan. 29.

Young and Unvaccinated Populations Most Affected

The DPH data reveals that children and unvaccinated individuals make up the vast majority of the cases. Of the 310 confirmed infections:

206 cases are children aged 5-17.
69 cases are children under the age of 5.
256 cases are confirmed to be unvaccinated.

Only two cases involved individuals who were fully vaccinated, highlighting the vaccine’s efficacy in preventing the disease.

Health Alerts and Prevention

On Jan. 7, DPH issued a statewide Health Alert to providers, urging heightened awareness, the use of masks, and rapid isolation for suspected cases. Dr. Bell emphasized that measles is highly contagious, noting that a single case can infect up to 20 unvaccinated contacts.

Because a person with measles is contagious four days before a rash appears, officials are urging anyone with mild illness or those under quarantine orders to stay home to protect the community.

“We encourage employers to support workers in following DPH recommendations to stay out of work while ill or in quarantine,” the department stated.

Vaccines remain available at primary care providers, pharmacies, and DPH health departments. Residents can find more information or request a mobile health unit via the DPH website.

Breakdown of Cases by Age: