The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that the ongoing Upstate measles outbreak has officially reached Lancaster County. In a Tuesday update, officials reported 13 new cases across the state, pushing the total number of infections to 933.
This latest expansion marks a significant milestone in what has become one of the largest measles outbreaks in the United States in over three decades.
First Case Confirmed in Lancaster County
For the first time since the outbreak began, DPH has confirmed a case in a Lancaster County resident. While the virus has been largely concentrated in the Upstate—specifically Spartanburg County—this new case signals the geographical spread of the disease.
Key details regarding the Lancaster case include:
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Source of Exposure: DPH is still investigating how the individual contracted the virus.
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Public Risk: Currently, no public exposure sites have been identified within South Carolina related to this specific case.
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North Carolina Connection: Because Lancaster County borders North Carolina, residents are encouraged to monitor the NCDHHS Measles Dashboard for potential exposure sites across the state line.
School Exposures and Quarantine Data
The rise in cases has led to new public exposure concerns at local educational institutions. DPH has identified the following schools with active quarantines:
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Libertas Academy: 9 individuals in quarantine.
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Inman Intermediate: Fewer than 5 individuals in quarantine.
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Lyman Elementary School: 23 individuals remain in quarantine.
Statewide, there are currently 235 people in quarantine and six in isolation. Health officials noted that the current quarantine period for these individuals is expected to last until at least March 5.
Outbreak by the Numbers
The data continues to show that the virus is primarily affecting school-aged children and those without prior immunization.
| Category | Data Point |
| Total Cases | 933 |
| Unvaccinated Cases | 859 |
| Cases in Ages 5–17 | 594 |
| Cases in Ages Under 5 | 245 |
Free Vaccination Opportunities
In an effort to curb the spread, DPH is deploying its Mobile Health Unit to provide no-cost Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccines to the public.
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Friday, Feb. 13 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.): Zion Hill Baptist Church, 34 Blackstock Road, Inman.
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Tuesday, March 3 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.): Grace Community Church, 570 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg.
DPH continues to emphasize that vaccination is the most effective tool for ending the outbreak. Residents can also secure vaccines through local pharmacies, primary care doctors, and county health departments.
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