News Summary
South Carolina reports 16 measles cases this year, with 12 linked to an Spartanburg outbreak. Over 130 students quarantined as health officials monitor the situation.
Greenville – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) has confirmed five new cases of measles in the state, bringing the total to 16 cases reported this year as of October 14, 2023. Health officials are particularly concerned, as 12 of these cases are linked to an ongoing outbreak in Spartanburg County.
In response to the confirmed cases, over 130 students at Global Academy and Fairforest Elementary in Spartanburg County have been quarantined at home. This quarantine follows an exponential rise in cases since July 9, 2023. Quarantined students, who are believed to be unvaccinated, are expected to return to school on October 22, 2023, according to district guidelines.
Additionally, an exposure case at Crunch Fitness on South Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville County has raised alarms. Individuals who visited the gym on September 30, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., are advised to contact their healthcare providers if they think they were exposed to the virus.
Measles Symptoms and Transmission
Symptoms of measles often include cough, fever, rash, red eyes, and a runny nose. The virus has an incubation period of 7 to 21 days, during which an infected person can be contagious four days before and after the appearance of a rash. Furthermore, measles is highly contagious, as the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves a room.
Vaccination Rates and Mandatory Requirements
In South Carolina, children are required to receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for school entry, a mandate that covers students from kindergarten through 12th grade. However, vaccination rates have declined, with only 92.1% of kindergarten students receiving the two doses for the 2023-2024 school year, down from 95% during the 2019-2020 school year.
Health Official Communication
The SCDPH plans to provide updates on the measles outbreak twice a week, every Tuesday and Friday at noon. The health department has noted that while some cases are connected to travel or known exposure, others lack an identified source, indicating that the disease is circulating within the community.
Complications and Recommendations
Common complications from measles include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and, in severe cases, encephalitis, which presents significant risks to young children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages individuals to discuss the MMR vaccine with their healthcare providers, particularly for those planning to travel.
The situation remains fluid as health officials monitor the outbreak and work to mitigate its spread. Residents are urged to stay informed about updates and to ensure vaccination compliance to protect themselves and their children from this preventable disease.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina
- Wikipedia: Measles
- WYFF4
- Google Search: Measles outbreak South Carolina
- Greenville Online
- Google Scholar: Measles complications
- Greenville Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- BBC
- Google News: Measles outbreak 2025
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.
