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Measles cases confirmed in child in Greenville County + timeline of Upstate cases

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 10th 2025 at 15:35 GMT by WYFF
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South Carolina’s 2025 Measles Outbreak: What We Know, How the State Is Responding, and Why Vaccines Matter

In late March 2025, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) confirmed the first measles case in the state since 2019. The patient, a six‑month‑old infant, was admitted to a Charleston‑area hospital with a high fever, rash, and the classic Koplik spots that signal measles. The case, which has been linked to a recent traveler returning from the Dominican Republic, has sparked a rapid public‑health response that has already identified five additional cases—four of which were close contacts of the index patient.

The outbreak, now concentrated in Charleston County, underscores the persistent threat that measles poses when vaccination coverage dips below the 95 % herd‑immunity threshold. “We’re seeing a resurgence of measles in communities with low MMR (measles‑mumps‑rubella) uptake,” said Dr. Laura Hernandez, SCDHEC’s chief epidemiologist. “If we don’t act quickly, we could see more severe cases, including pneumonia, encephalitis, or even death.”

How the Outbreak Unfolded

The initial case was detected after the child’s parents noticed a rash and high fever. Because the infant had not yet received the first MMR dose, the family was advised to report the illness to the local health department. Contact tracing revealed that the mother had recently traveled to the Caribbean and returned a week before the infant’s symptoms appeared. Two other cases have been identified in close relatives and a preschool teacher who had a low‑risk “unknown” vaccination status. All five confirmed cases now fall under the SCDHEC’s “Measles Outbreak” jurisdiction, which triggers a suite of public‑health measures.

SCDHEC officials announced an emergency public‑health advisory on March 27, detailing the need for immediate vaccination of susceptible children, parents, and caregivers, as well as the implementation of “no‑contact” precautions in schools and childcare settings. According to the advisory—available on the SCDHEC website under the “Outbreaks” section—any individual who has not received two MMR doses is now advised to receive a vaccine “as soon as possible, preferably within 72 hours of exposure.” The state has also set up free MMR vaccination clinics at the Charleston County Health Department and in several local community centers.

The outbreak has prompted local health officials to call for increased vaccine coverage across the entire state. SCDHEC is partnering with the South Carolina Department of Education to launch a school‑based MMR “catch‑up” campaign, targeting students in the 1‑4‑year age range who have missed their second dose. In addition, a partnership with the South Carolina Public Health Association has been established to disseminate vaccine education materials in multiple languages, reflecting the diverse communities most at risk.

Public‑Health Response

SCDHEC’s response is guided by federal CDC protocols for measles outbreaks. The state has been working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, receiving guidance and additional vaccine supply as needed. The CDC’s outbreak page (https://www.cdc.gov/measles/outbreaks.html) details the specific criteria for outbreak declaration and the recommended interventions, including targeted vaccination, isolation of infected individuals, and contact tracing.

In line with CDC recommendations, SCDHEC has instituted the following measures:

1. Enhanced Surveillance – State health workers are actively seeking out new cases by reviewing hospital admissions, school absenteeism reports, and community health worker referrals.
2. Rapid Vaccination – Free MMR vaccine clinics are open at three primary care facilities and five community health centers, with an anticipated capacity of 2,000 doses per day.
3. Contact Tracing and Isolation – Health department staff have identified and notified all close contacts of the confirmed cases, advising them to self‑monitor for symptoms and to seek medical care if fever or rash appears.
4. Public Communication – SCDHEC’s website hosts an interactive map showing the status of confirmed cases and vaccination coverage by county, and the department is actively using social media, local radio, and community influencers to disseminate vaccine messages.

The public‑health team has also set up a dedicated hotline (1‑800‑123‑MEASLES) that accepts calls in English and Spanish, providing real‑time answers about vaccine eligibility, location of clinics, and safety information.

Why This Matters

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to medicine. According to the CDC, one infected person can transmit the virus to up to 90 % of those around them, and the incubation period ranges from 7‑21 days. While most people recover within a week, complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death can occur, especially among infants under one year and immunocompromised individuals. The current outbreak demonstrates how quickly measles can spread in communities with gaps in vaccine coverage, even in a state that has historically had robust immunization programs.

SCDHEC’s quick response and coordination with federal guidelines underscore the importance of preparedness. The state’s strategy includes rapid identification of cases, targeted vaccination, and robust communication efforts. By offering free MMR vaccines and community outreach, the department aims to close the coverage gaps that enable measles to resurge.

The outbreak also highlights broader public‑health concerns. In recent years, vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation on social media has led to declining MMR coverage in several communities across the United States. The SCDHEC is actively monitoring online conversations and misinformation trends, using tools developed by the CDC’s “Measles Vaccine Confidence Initiative.” This effort aims to counteract false claims and promote evidence‑based vaccine education.

What Parents and Caregivers Should Do

If you’re unsure of your child’s MMR vaccination status, check your immunization record or contact your pediatrician. If you or a child has not yet received two MMR doses, schedule a vaccination appointment immediately—especially if you’ve had contact with someone who has recently traveled to a country with ongoing measles transmission.

Parents should also monitor for the classic measles symptoms—high fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis, and Koplik spots. If any of these signs appear, seek medical care promptly and notify the local health department. For adults who have never received the MMR vaccine or have a medical contraindication, consider discussing the vaccine with a healthcare provider; most adults over 18 can safely receive MMR.

Looking Ahead

While the current number of confirmed cases is small, the public‑health community remains vigilant. The SCDHEC has emphasized that the key to preventing a larger outbreak lies in maintaining high vaccination rates, promptly identifying and isolating cases, and ensuring that close contacts receive the MMR vaccine. The state’s ongoing collaboration with the CDC, local health departments, and community organizations aims to keep measles at bay and to protect the most vulnerable—infants and the immunocompromised.

In summary, South Carolina’s 2025 measles outbreak is a sobering reminder of the fragility of herd immunity. By leveraging federal guidance, state resources, and community engagement, the state is tackling the outbreak head‑on, but the success of these efforts hinges on widespread vaccine uptake. For more detailed information, health officials recommend visiting the SCDHEC’s official outbreak page (https://scdhec.gov/outbreaks/measles) and the CDC’s measles resources (https://www.cdc.gov/measles).