News Summary
Public health officials report a measles outbreak linked to unvaccinated students in Upstate South Carolina, with urgent calls for vaccination.
Greenville, South Carolina – As of October 5, 2025, public health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak in the Upstate region of South Carolina, linked to unvaccinated students at a local school. At least eight cases of measles have been reported, including five new cases in the past month and two cases with unknown sources, raising concerns about potential community spread.
All individuals involved in this outbreak are either unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. The South Carolina Department of Public Health has opted not to disclose the name of the affected school due to privacy concerns. Meanwhile, the department is taking steps to increase vaccination availability at this location to mitigate the situation.
Health officials highlight the importance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is known to be approximately 97% effective after two doses. Measles, a highly contagious respiratory virus, can spread through airborne droplets, remaining infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. About 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to the virus will contract measles.
Current Situation and Health Recommendations
Parents at the affected school have been notified about the outbreak, and there is growing concern regarding the rapid spread of the disease, especially given low vaccination rates in certain regions of South Carolina. Specifically, the Upstate area has a lower vaccination rate compared to other regions in the state.
The statewide vaccination rate for measles is around 90%, falling below the crucial 95% threshold needed for community immunity. As of September 30, 2025, South Carolina is among over 40 states experiencing measles outbreaks, contributing to a nationwide total of 1,544 cases reported this year.
Families are encouraged to receive the MMR vaccine at various clinics and pharmacies and are advised to vaccinate as soon as possible, even if there has been potential exposure to the virus. Symptoms of measles typically begin with fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by a rash that usually appears four days after these initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.
Exemption Rates and Public Health Concerns
The current vaccination exemption rate in South Carolina stands at 2.4%, with notably higher rates in certain counties, including Spartanburg and Greenville. Health authorities emphasize the necessity of community cooperation to control the outbreak and prevent further transmission. Additionally, they stress the importance of not sending sick individuals to school or work and recommend that anyone who suspects measles symptoms contact healthcare providers remotely.
Overall, public health officials are working diligently to address the outbreak and encourage vaccination, aiming to restore a safe and healthy environment for students and the broader community in South Carolina.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: SC Measles Outbreak at Upstate School
- WRDW: SC Confirms Full-Blown Outbreak of Measles
- WYFF: DPH Measles Outbreak Reported in Upstate South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Measles
- HuffPost: South Carolina Confirms Measles Outbreak
- Google Search: Measles Outbreak South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
