SAFETY ALERT: More measles cases reported in S.C., gym linked to possible exposure

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed the 16th case of measles and the 12th case since Sept. 25 related to the ongoing measles outbreak in the Upstate.

Last week, officials said there could be hundreds more measles cases ahead for the Palmetto State, amid the ongoing outbreak in Spartanburg County.

The agency says the five new cases are the result of individuals who were exposed in previously identified school settings and have been quarantining at home.

Because they were quarantining before they became infectious, no additional exposures occurred with these new cases, according to the department.

Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary were previously reported to have confirmed measles cases, according to the agency.

As of 5 p.m. Monday, no new students from either school have been excluded from school activities, and the number of students quarantining at home at those schools is now down to 139 following further investigations into potential exposures.

Health officials say they are taking appropriate measures to exclude potentially exposed students.

In response to a confirmed case in Greenville County, the department has identified Crunch Fitness’ location at 1332 S. Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville, S.C, as the source of the child’s exposure.

The department is asking anyone who was at that location on that day only between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to see their healthcare provider if they believe they may have been exposed.

“While the five cases may appear as a large increase, the successful early quarantining as a result of the identified exposure is a successful public health outcome that shows how mitigation efforts (quarantining if exposed) can make a huge difference in preventing community spread,” the department stated in a press release.

Health officials said Thursday that there’s apparently some unrecognized transmission taking place in the Upstate, so it’s crucial that people get vaccinated.

They said the vaccination rate in that area is only 90%, which is below the 95% rate recommended to achieve herd immunity.

Officials said people can be protected even by getting vaccinated within 72 hours after exposure.

WATCH: SEE THE FULL S.C. MEASLES BRIEFING

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

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.