COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reported 58 new cases of measles on Friday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the ongoing Upstate outbreak to 847.
Alongside the rise in cases, health officials have identified a new public exposure site at a fast-food restaurant in Roebuck, as well as an additional exposure at an area elementary school.
New Public and School Exposures
DPH has pinpointed a specific window of potential exposure at Burger King, located at 6196 US-221 in Roebuck. Individuals who visited this location on Wednesday, Jan. 28 between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. may have been exposed to the virus.
Health officials advise anyone who was at this location during that time—particularly those without immunity from vaccination or previous infection—to monitor themselves for symptoms through Feb. 18.
In addition to the public exposure, Lyman Elementary has been identified as a site of potential exposure. DPH is currently determining which students will need to quarantine.
Impact on Schools
The outbreak continues to heavily impact school-aged children. According to the DPH, 539 of the total cases are children aged 5 to 17.
Currently, 443 people are in quarantine and 20 are in isolation across the region. Students remain in quarantine from more than a dozen schools, with the highest numbers at:
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Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary: 59 students
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Abner Creek Middle: 35 students
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Libertas Academy: 28 students
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New Prospect Elementary: 25 students
Other affected schools include Inman Intermediate, Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary, Boiling Springs Elementary, Global Academy, Cannons Elementary, Mayo Elementary, Sugar Ridge Elementary, and Chapman High.
Hospitalizations and Vaccination Status
While complications from measles are not always reportable, DPH confirmed that 19 people have required hospitalization since the start of the outbreak. This includes both adults and children.
The data released Friday highlights a stark correlation between infection and vaccination status. Of the 847 confirmed cases:
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760 are unvaccinated.
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15 are partially vaccinated.
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20 are fully vaccinated.
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52 have an unknown vaccination status.
What to Do If You Have Symptoms
Measles is highly contagious. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include a high fever (101°F or more), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash usually develops two to three days later, starting on the face and spreading to the body.
DPH officials urge residents not to visit a healthcare provider without calling first.
“Anyone who may have been exposed and develops an illness… should immediately call a health care provider and let them know about the exposure and symptoms so the provider can tell you what to do next.”
Arrangements must be made to isolate patients to prevent infecting others in waiting rooms.
Vaccination remains the most effective tool to stop the spread. Vaccines are available at DPH Health Departments, pharmacies, and primary care offices.
For the latest data and updates, residents can visit the DPH Measles Dashboard.
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