News Summary
Sixteen cases of measles confirmed in Spartanburg, prompting schools to quarantine students and health officials to stress vaccination importance.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – The measles outbreak in South Carolina has escalated, now affecting 16 individuals as of October 14, according to state health officials. This surge in cases poses a significant concern regarding community transmission, particularly as 12 out of the 16 cases have been reported in Spartanburg County.
In response to the outbreak, two elementary schools in Spartanburg County, Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary School, have undertaken precautionary measures. Nearly 140 students across these schools are currently quarantining at home due to their unvaccinated status against measles. Global Academy, which has a particularly low vaccination rate of only 17% among its more than 600 students, is significantly below the 95% threshold considered necessary to prevent outbreaks. Meanwhile, Fairforest Elementary has a vaccination rate of 85% among its more than 760 students.
On October 14, health officials announced five new cases of measles, all linked to the aforementioned schools with low vaccination rates. State officials have noted that while some of the cases are associated with travel or close contacts of known infected individuals, others have no known source, suggesting potential community transmission. There is heightened concern that measles could be circulating within the community, increasing the risk of further spread.
A Crunch Fitness location in Greenville has also been identified as a site of exposure for one child in September, adding to the concern over the outbreak. The spread of measles has been alarming nationwide, with the United States reporting over 1,500 cases in 2025, marking the highest level in over three decades. Contributing factors to this resurgence include a decline in vaccination rates, particularly among parents who have chosen to exempt their children for various reasons.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 87% of confirmed measles cases in 2025 are linked to outbreaks and underscored the critical importance of vaccination. Measles symptoms typically start with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. The MMR vaccine, which provides 97% protection against measles and is administered in two doses, is pivotal for public health safety. It is essential to note that approximately 1 in 5 individuals infected with measles may require hospitalization, with complications that can include pneumonia and encephalitis.
In light of the escalating outbreak, South Carolina health authorities have announced their plan to offer free vaccinations as part of their response efforts. Current immunity levels in South Carolina’s Upstate region hover around 90%, which is viewed as vulnerable. Health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated to help control the ongoing outbreak.
The community is encouraged to seek vaccination as a preventative measure and to remain vigilant as health officials continue to monitor the situation. Keeping immunization rates at a safe level is imperative to ensuring community health and preventing further measles outbreaks.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: South Carolina Measles Outbreak
- CBS News: Unvaccinated Students Quarantining
- The State: South Carolina Measles Cases
- ABC News: Quarantine of Unvaccinated Students
- WRDW: Measles Cases at SC Gym
- Wikipedia: Measles
- Google Search: Measles Vaccination Importance
- Google Scholar: Measles Outbreaks and Vaccination Rates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Google News: South Carolina Measles Outbreak
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.
