SAFETY ALERT: 2 schools hit as S.C. measles outbreak spreads

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed two additional cases of measles as part of the ongoing outbreak in Spartanburg County – and two schools are affected.

Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary have confirmed measles cases. Health officials say they are taking appropriate measures to exclude potentially exposed students.

The agency has been working closely with officials at each school, and both schools have been proactive in taking recommended measures, officials said.

Officials said as of Tuesday, a total of seven measles cases were reported to DPH in Spartanburg County since Sept. 25.

The cases bring the number of confirmed measles cases in South Carolina to 10 since July 9.

According to officials, some of the cases are travel-related exposures or close contacts of known cases.

Other cases, such as the current outbreak, have no identified source, suggesting that measles is circulating in the community and could spread further.

To keep the public updated on the outbreak, DPH has created a new measles outbreak page with information about it on its website. Officials said the page will be updated by noon on Tuesdays and Fridays.

One South Carola medical professional had some advice for parents.

“Make sure that you’re aware of any measles outbreaks,” said Stephanie Radu with Grand Strand Medical Center.

“It’s a very contagious disease, and so keeping your kids safe by making sure that you wash your hands when you go out. The virus can stay alive for two hours, either airborne or, you know, on surfaces. And so really being on top of hand hygiene, if you feel more safe wearing masks in public, that’s a great way to reduce fun if there are outbreaks in your area,” she said.

A measles outbreak is defined as three or more cases that are linked.

We don’t have any cases in the CSRA, but there is a cluster of cases on the other side of Georgia.

The initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red eyes and runny nose. These symptoms are followed by a rash beginning on the face then spreading to the rest of the body. The rash usually lasts five or six days.

“The unknown source of two of the cases indicates unrecognized community spread,” Bell said.

She expects more cases to be identified and said she implores community members to act responsibly.

“If you are ill, stay home. Notify a health care provider by phone of symptoms suggestive of measles before visiting a clinic. Follow guidance for control measures and cooperate with DPH investigations.”

She said it’s “very important” to get better protection against measles spread in our communities by increasing vaccinations.

The virus can be spread through the air when a person with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes.

Measles virus can remain infectious in the air in a confined area for up to two hours after the sick person has left the area.

Georgia is dealing with several cases, with the latest cluster tied to exposure at Georgia State University and other locations in Fulton County. More than 200 close contacts of those confirmed cases have been identified in Georgia.