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South Carolina officially has a measles outbreak, even while Georgia deals with a cluster of cases as low vaccination rates in the region raise concerns.
By Staff
Published: Oct. 2, 2025 at 4:16 PM EDT|Updated: Oct. 3, 2025 at 9:56 AM EDT
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - South Carolina health officials have confirmed a full-blown measles outbreak in the Upstate.
As of Wednesday, eight cases had been reported in that region of South Carolina. Five of them became sick within the past month and are part of a newly identified outbreak of measles.
A measles outbreak is defined as three or more cases that are linked.
The people involved in the outbreak are unvaccinated.
The patients are isolated to prevent further spread of the virus.
“Measles is highly contagious, and there is risk for continued, rapid spread of the disease in the Upstate among communities with low immunization rates,” said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist and Health Programs Branch director.
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.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
SAFETY ALERT: S.C. confirms full-blown outbreak of measles
*video from another source
South Carolina officially has a measles outbreak, even while Georgia deals with a cluster of cases as low vaccination rates in the region raise concerns.
By Staff
Published: Oct. 2, 2025 at 4:16 PM EDT|Updated: Oct. 3, 2025 at 9:56 AM EDT
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - South Carolina health officials have confirmed a full-blown measles outbreak in the Upstate.
As of Wednesday, eight cases had been reported in that region of South Carolina. Five of them became sick within the past month and are part of a newly identified outbreak of measles.
A measles outbreak is defined as three or more cases that are linked.
The people involved in the outbreak are unvaccinated.
The patients are isolated to prevent further spread of the virus.
“Measles is highly contagious, and there is risk for continued, rapid spread of the disease in the Upstate among communities with low immunization rates,” said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist and Health Programs Branch director.
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.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
That's where my ppl at.
