COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reported a significant spike in measles cases on Tuesday, confirming 89 new infections since Friday. The update brings the total number of confirmed cases in the ongoing Upstate outbreak to 789.
As the virus continues to spread, health officials are grappling with widening exposures in local schools and a growing number of residents requiring quarantine.
New School Exposures Identified
The outbreak is heavily impacting school-aged children, who make up the majority of the confirmed cases. DPH identified public exposures at three additional schools based on the new cases:
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Dorman High
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Inman Intermediate
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New Prospect Elementary
The number of students requiring quarantine from these specific schools is currently being determined. However, they join a growing list of educational institutions already managing the fallout of the virus.
Currently, 557 people are in quarantine and 20 are in isolation. For the latest group of exposed individuals, the quarantine period is expected to last until February 19.
Significant quarantine numbers remain at several other schools, including:
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Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary: 59 students
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Campobello Gramling School: 46 students
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Libertas Academy: 28 students
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Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary: 22 students
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Crestview Elementary: 22 students
Unvaccinated Residents Driving the Numbers
The DPH data released Tuesday highlights a stark correlation between vaccination status and infection rates. Of the 789 total cases, 695 (88%) are unvaccinated.
Only 20 individuals were fully vaccinated, while 14 were partially vaccinated. The vaccination status of 60 individuals remains unknown.
Age Breakdown of Cases:
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Ages 5-17: 493 cases (The largest affected group)
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Under 5: 203 cases
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Adults (18+): 65 cases
Hospitalizations and Safety Warnings
While complications from measles are not always reportable, DPH disclosed that 18 people—including both adults and children—have required hospitalization since the outbreak began. Additional patients have required medical care without being admitted to the hospital.
Health officials are urging the public to be vigilant for symptoms, which typically appear 7 to 12 days after exposure. Symptoms include:
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High fever (101°F or more)
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Cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes
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A rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body (usually appearing 2-3 days after other symptoms)
Guidance for the Public: DPH advises that anyone exhibiting symptoms who believes they have been exposed should not walk directly into a doctor’s office or emergency room. Instead, they should call a healthcare provider immediately to allow facilities to arrange for safe evaluation without exposing others in waiting areas.
For real-time data and information on vaccination locations, residents are encouraged to visit the DPH Measles Dashboard or contact their local pharmacy or primary care provider.
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