Measles Outbreak in South Carolina Sends 150 Unvaccinated Kids into Quarantine
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Health officials in South Carolina have confirmed an eighth measles case linked to an outbreak in the northern part of the state, prompting a 21-day quarantine for at least 153 unvaccinated children who were exposed to the virus.
According to Dr. Linda Bell, Director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the latest case was identified in Greenville County, where officials are working to determine how the individual became infected with the highly contagious measles virus. "We're still investigating the source of this case, but we know that it's linked to the outbreak in Spartanburg," Bell said at a press conference.
The outbreak began in September, when seven cases were confirmed in neighboring Spartanburg County. Transmission was identified in two schools: Fairforest Elementary and Global Academy, a public charter school. As a result, 153 unvaccinated children who attended those schools were placed on quarantine, barred from attending classes until the incubation period has passed.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles is one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths worldwide, with over 100,000 reported cases in 2019 alone.
"This outbreak highlights the importance of vaccination," said Dr. Bell. "We urge parents and guardians to ensure their children are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations."
The quarantine period, which began on October 15, is expected to last until November 5. During this time, affected families will receive support from local health officials, including access to medical care and counseling services.
As the outbreak continues to unfold, international health experts are closely monitoring the situation. "Measles outbreaks can spread quickly across borders, making it essential for countries to maintain robust vaccination programs," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.
The South Carolina DHEC has set up a hotline (1-855-472-3432) for parents and guardians to report any suspected cases or concerns about measles exposure.
Background:
Measles is a viral disease that causes fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the measles vaccine is 93% effective in preventing the disease after two doses. However, vaccination rates have been declining in some parts of the United States, contributing to outbreaks like this one.
Additional Perspectives:
Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, noted that "measles outbreaks often occur when there are pockets of unvaccinated individuals who are not protected against the virus." He emphasized the importance of vaccination and public health measures in preventing further spread.
Current Status:
The South Carolina DHEC continues to monitor the situation closely, working with local schools and healthcare providers to ensure that affected families receive necessary support. As the quarantine period comes to an end on November 5, officials will reassess the situation and determine whether additional measures are needed to prevent further spread.
Next Developments:
The South Carolina DHEC has scheduled a press conference for October 22 to provide updates on the outbreak and any new developments. In the meantime, parents and guardians are urged to ensure their children's vaccination records are up-to-date and to report any suspected cases or concerns about measles exposure.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
