🕰️ Chronology of the Outbreak
- In July 2025, South Carolina reported its first confirmed measles case of the year. The individual was from the Upstate region, unvaccinated, and had been exposed abroad.
- Shortly after, a second case was confirmed; this person was a close contact of the first case. Both were isolated to limit spread.
- By September 2025, a third case cropped up. This case was not tied to the prior July cases.
- As of October 1, 2025, health officials have reported a total of eight measles cases in the Upstate region. Five of these were newly sick within the past month and form part of a newly declared outbreak.
- All eight individuals are unvaccinated or lacked immunity.
Because three or more linked cases constitute an outbreak, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) now considers this a measles outbreak in the Upstate.
🤒 Measles: Symptoms, Severity & Risks
Measles (also called rubeola) is a highly contagious viral disease. Here’s what to know:
Early symptoms (prodromal phase):
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
Usually within 2 to 4 days, a rash appears. It typically starts on the face and then spreads downward over the body. The rash lasts around 5 to 6 days.
Serious complications may include:
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Encephalitis (brain swelling)
- Ear infections
- Severe dehydration
- Death (rare, more likely in young children or those with weak immunity)
Because measles is so contagious, 95% or more of people without immunity who are exposed will become infected.
🛡️ Actions Taken So Far & Public Health Response
- Isolation / Quarantine: Confirmed cases are being isolated per DPH guidance to prevent further spread.
- Contact tracing & exposure notifications: Authorities are identifying and notifying those who may have been exposed.
- Vaccination appeals: State health officials are urging residents to make sure their measles vaccination (MMR) is up to date, especially for those in communities with lower vaccination rates.
- Monitoring & investigation: The outbreak is under active investigation, and officials are tracking potential new cases.
The outbreak is especially concerning because the disease can spread quickly in pockets of the population where vaccination coverage is low.
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