October 22, 2025

New Measles Cases Confirmed in Spartanburg County

News Summary

Four new measles cases have been reported in Spartanburg County, raising the state total to 23, with a significant outbreak ongoing.

Spartanburg County, South Carolina – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed four new cases of measles in Spartanburg County since Friday, raising the total number of measles cases in the state this year to 23. Of these cases, 20 are connected to a significant outbreak currently affecting the region.

Among the new cases, two involve individuals who were already under home quarantine due to their previous exposure to other confirmed cases of measles. Importantly, none of these quarantined individuals were present in school settings at any time while being contagious, thus mitigating further risk of exposure in educational environments. The remaining two new cases were associated with a local business in Spartanburg, with no public exposures reported.

Additionally, a previously identified case related to a child’s attendance at a gym in Greenville County has since been linked to the ongoing outbreak, highlighting the persistent community transmission of the virus.

School Exclusion Updates

As for local school activities, the exclusionary period for Global Academy in Spartanburg County has concluded, and the quarantined students are permitted to return to school. The exclusionary period for Fairforest Elementary School is set to end on Wednesday, October 22. Health officials have cautioned that if new exposures arise, it could lead to extended exclusions for students who have not been vaccinated against measles.

Vaccination Efforts

To combat this outbreak, DPH has activated a Mobile Health Unit to administer the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine at no cost to unvaccinated individuals. Mobile vaccination clinics will be held at:

Wellford Baptist Church on October 22, from 2-6 p.m.
Dr. T. K. Gregg Community Center on October 23, from 2-6 p.m.

Community Transmission

Health officials have noted that several cases from the ongoing outbreak are linked to travel or close contacts of previously known cases. However, it remains concerning that some cases have no identifiable source, indicating the possible circulation of the virus within the community. The symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash that can persist for up to six days. Severe complications from measles can include pneumonia and brain swelling.

The vaccination against measles is the primary recommendation from health authorities to protect against this highly contagious disease. DPH emphasizes that maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial to prevent further outbreaks and to ensure community health.