Spartanburg County, October 26, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirms two new measles cases in Spartanburg County, bringing the total in the state to 25 this year. The outbreak, particularly affecting unvaccinated students, has led to the activation of a Mobile Health Unit providing free MMR vaccines. With significant precautions in place, officials warn that the measles virus poses serious health risks, especially for children. Public health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated and monitor their records as they work to manage the outbreak effectively.
Spartanburg County Reports Increase in Measles Cases Amid Outbreak
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed two new cases of measles in Spartanburg County, bringing the total number of cases for the year in the state to 25. Of these, 22 are part of an ongoing outbreak in the Upstate region. The two recent cases are linked to individuals who were already quarantining due to close contact with known measles cases.
To combat this outbreak, DPH has activated a Mobile Health Unit that offers measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines free of charge to unvaccinated residents in Spartanburg County. The unit will be offering vaccines at specific locations, including:
- Inman Library: October 29 & 30 from 2-6 p.m.
- Boiling Springs Library: November 3, 5 & 6 from 1-4 p.m.
As of now, the Mobile Health Unit has administered a total of 21 MMR vaccines, with 18 given to adults and 3 to children, since its launch on October 16. Unvaccinated individuals are encouraged to check their immunization records through the SIMON public portal.
Some of the confirmed measles cases have been connected to travel-related exposures or known contacts, while others have been identified as community transmission, as no sources have been determined.
DPH will provide updates on the measles outbreak twice a week, specifically on Tuesdays and Fridays. Public health officials have reported that over 150 unvaccinated students have been asked to remain home due to the outbreak affecting Fairforest Elementary School and Global Academy in Spartanburg County. Notably, seven of the confirmed measles cases are associated with students attending these schools, where approximately 11% of the nearly 1,400 combined students are unvaccinated.
Measles symptoms generally begin with fever, cough, red eyes, and runny nose, eventually leading to a rash that can spread across the body. Severe complications, such as pneumonia and brain swelling, are particularly dangerous for young children. Moreover, the measles virus has the ability to remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has exited a room, posing a risk of exposure to others even without direct contact.
Students who have been quarantined must stay at home for 21 days following exposure to the virus. Officials are making efforts to increase access to MMR vaccinations, particularly in regions with limited healthcare services. The rate of unvaccinated students in Spartanburg County is of concern, as about 90% of K-12 students have completed their vaccination forms, marking it as the third lowest rate in the state. Additionally, there has been a rise in religious exemptions for vaccinations, contributing to the growing number of unvaccinated children in the area, with more than 8% of the county’s students receiving such exemptions—the highest in South Carolina.
Parents of exposed students have received notifications and are being advised to adhere to guidelines in order to minimize any further spread of the outbreak. DPH’s proactive measures underscore the seriousness of the situation as health officials work to manage the measles outbreak in Spartanburg County.
FAQ
How many measles cases have been reported in South Carolina this year?
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed two new cases of measles in Spartanburg County, raising the total to 25 cases in the state for the year.
Where can residents receive the MMR vaccine?
Mobile Health Unit vaccination locations include Inman Library on October 29 & 30 from 2-6 p.m. and Boiling Springs Library on November 3, 5 & 6 from 1-4 p.m.
How long must quarantined students remain at home?
Quarantined students must remain at home for 21 days after exposure to the measles virus.
Key Features of the Measles Outbreak in Spartanburg County
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Cases in South Carolina | 25 Cases |
| Ongoing Outbreak Cases | 22 Cases |
| Unvaccinated Students Quarantined | 150+ |
| MMR Vaccinations Administered | 21 (18 Adults, 3 Children) |
| Exemptions for Vaccinations | 8% in Spartanburg County |
| Quarantine Duration for Exposed Students | 21 Days |
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: South Carolina Measles Outbreak News
- Wikipedia: Measles
- SC Daily Gazette: Spartanburg County Students Quarantined
- Google Search: Measles Outbreak Spartanburg County
- Fox Carolina: DPH New Measles Cases
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- WRDW: SC Racks Up 25 Measles Cases
- Google News: South Carolina Measles Outbreak
- WCNC: SC Measles Outbreak Vaccine Clinics
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