South Carolina Faces New Measles Surge

The state health department announced that 17 more children have tested positive for measles, raising the total to 950 cases. The new infections were linked to several spots in Greenville and Greer. One cluster came from a local ramen shop on Feb. 5 between 12:30 and 3:30 p. m. Another group of cases traced back to a HomeGoods store on the same day from 10:00 a. m. to 12:45 p. m. The most recent cluster was identified at Children’s Medical Center in Greer on Wednesday, Feb. 4 and Friday, Feb. 6. In response, authorities have placed 186 people in quarantine and isolated nine individuals. Everyone under quarantine will finish their isolation period on March 8 unless further exposure is detected. The department is monitoring all listed locations closely and urging anyone who has visited these sites to get tested.Measles is highly contagious. A person can spread the virus for up to 21 days after they start coughing or sneezing. Symptoms usually appear within two to four days and include fever, runny nose, and a distinctive rash that begins on the face and moves outward. The rash typically lasts five to six days, but complications can arise if left untreated. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles. The vaccine is available at primary care offices and pharmacies throughout South Carolina. Health officials stress that getting vaccinated not only protects individuals but also helps curb the outbreak’s spread. Public health teams are working to identify all possible exposures and encourage community members to seek medical advice if they show any symptoms. By staying informed and vaccinated, residents can help bring the outbreak under control.