The measles outbreak centered in Spartanburg County has grown by three cases since Nov. 18, bringing the outbreak total to 52 and the total reported statewide so far to 55, according to the state Department of Public Health.
Of the new cases, two were household members of known cases while the third was the result of unknown community transmission.
New schools impacted
According to DPH contact tracing, there are now 137 people in quarantine and one in isolation. Most of the quarantine cases involve students attending the following schools:
- Lyman Elementary School — 57 cases
- Boiling Springs Middle School — 55 cases
- D.R. Hill Middle school — 1 case
DPH has notified all faculty, staff, students and parents at the impacted schools. Students from those schools who quarantine successfully without developing symptoms are scheduled to be able to return to classes Nov. 29.
GSP, church impacted
DPH is also alerting the public that it confirmed a case of measles in an employee at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. This case may have exposed the public on Nov. 10 and 11 during the 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. time frame each day.
Additionally, DPH reported an infected individual attended Way of Truth Church in Inman the evening of Nov. 7 from 7 to 11 p.m. and Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Individuals at the church during those dates and times may have been exposed.
DPH is asking anyone who was at the airport or church during the hours and dates listed to be aware of measles symptoms and contact their health care provider if they become ill and let the medical staff know they may have been exposed.
Measles symptoms typically begin 7-12 days — but up to 21 days — after exposure, and start with a cough, runny nose, and red eyes, along with a mild to moderate fever. Those symptoms are followed by a rash that begins on the head and neck and moves to the rest of the body.
For more information, visit dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/viruses-parasites-bacterial-infections/measles-rubeola.
