Measles Crisis Spreads to 876 Cases in South Carolina
Measles Outbreak in South Carolina Reaches 876 Cases
State health officials have reported 29 new cases of measles since Friday, increasing the total number of cases in South Carolina linked to the Upstate outbreak to 876. This ongoing public health crisis has prompted extensive efforts from the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) to contain the spread and inform the public about potential exposures.
Currently, 354 individuals are in quarantine, while 22 are in isolation. The latest end date for quarantine is set for February 24. Additionally, DPH has confirmed a case of measles in a Sumter County resident. At this stage, it remains unclear whether this case is connected to the Upstate outbreak centered around Spartanburg County or if it was contracted elsewhere where measles is present.
As of February 3, the vaccination status of those infected includes:
* 800 unvaccinated
* 16 partially vaccinated
* 22 fully vaccinated
* 38 with unknown vaccination status
Spartanburg County has been the epicenter of the outbreak, with 841 cases reported so far.
Potential Exposure Locations
DPH has identified several locations where people may have been exposed to infectious measles. The specific times and locations of these exposures are as follows:
- Mariachis Mexican Restaurant at 1072 Broad Street, Sumter, S.C., on Friday, January 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Food Lion at 5700 Broad Street Ext., Sumter, S.C., on Saturday, January 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Walmart Neighborhood Market at 343 Pinewood Road, Sumter, S.C., on Sunday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
DPH has stated that there is no risk of exposure beyond the specified times at these locations. Individuals who were present at these places, particularly those without immunity through vaccination or prior illness, should monitor themselves for symptoms until February 13, February 14, and February 15, respectively.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7-12 days after exposure, though they can occur up to 21 days later. Common symptoms include cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, fever, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
If someone experiences symptoms such as a fever of 101°F or higher, cough, runny nose, or red eyes, with or without a rash, they should contact a healthcare provider immediately. It is important to inform the provider about the potential exposure so they can provide guidance on next steps, which may include using masks, isolating in waiting areas, or staying home until cleared by a doctor.
Vaccination Efforts
In response to the outbreak, DPH will activate its Mobile Health Unit to offer free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations to the public. The mobile unit will be stationed at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, located at 520 S. Daniel Morgan Avenue in Spartanburg, on Friday, February 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and halt the outbreak. MMR vaccines are available at many primary care offices, pharmacies, and DPH health departments.
Additional Local News
Other significant stories from the region include:
* An investigation into the death of a man found in a parked car in the Upstate.
* Contamination of a creek following a diesel release at a Kinder Morgan facility, with remediation efforts underway.
* A man accused of scamming potential homebuyers on Facebook Marketplace.
* A coroner’s confirmation of a hypothermia-related death in the Upstate.
* Ongoing questions surrounding the abduction of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, with the “Today” host requesting prayers.
* A shooting investigation in Greenville.
For more details on the measles outbreak and other local news, readers can access the full story and stay updated with the latest coverage.
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