A dozen cases are now confirmed in Spartanburg County amid an ongoing measles outbreak in Upstate South Carolina.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health announced five new cases in Spartanburg County on Oct. 14. The confirmed measles cases are connected to the two schools previously linked with the current outbreak: Global Academy of South Carolina, a public charter school, and Fairforest Elementary, a public school in Spartanburg County School District 6. From those schools, 139 students remain in quarantine due to exposure.
Read more about the Upstate measles outbreak
Sixteen total measles cases have now been confirmed in South Carolina since July, including a recent case in Greenville County.
According to DPH, the Greenville County child was exposed at Crunch Fitness located at 1332 S. Pleasantburg Dr. on Sept. 30. DPH officials ask anyone who was at the Crunch Fitness on Sept. 30 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and believes they may have been exposed to see their healthcare provider.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes symptoms including cough, fever, running nose and red eyes. Those infected will experience a rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body.
The incubation period for measles from exposure to onset can be up to 21 days. An infected person is contagious four days before and after experiencing a rash. Measles can also remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room or vehicle.
For more information, visit dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/viruses-parasites-bacterial-infections/measles-rubeola.
