SCDPH increases South Carolina measles case count

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed four new cases of measles in Spartanburg County since Friday, said officials.

The new cases bring the total number of cases in South Carolina this year to 23 and the number of cases in the current outbreak to 20.

Officials said, two of the cases were among close contacts to known cases who have been quarantining at home, and none were present in any school settings while contagious.

A previously identified case of a child at a gym in Greenville County is now being associated with the current outbreak due to ongoing unrecognized community transmission.

Also, officials said a successful early quarantining as a result of an identified exposure is a positive public health outcome that shows how rapid containment efforts (quarantining if exposed) is highly effective in preventing community spread.

As of today, Tuesday, Oct. 21, the exclusionary period for Global Academy is over and exposed students are able to return to the school.

The exclusionary period for Fairforest Elementary ends Wednesday, Oct. 22, which is when those students may return.

DPH has activated its Mobile Health Unit at the following locations this week to offer the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to unvaccinated individuals at no cost.

Mobile Vaccination Unit Times/Locations:
•    Wednesday, Oct. 22: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Wellford Baptist Church, 235 Syphrit Rd., Wellford, S.C., 29385
•    Thursday, Oct. 23: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Dr. T. K. Gregg Community Center, 650 Howard St., Spartanburg, S.C., 29303