Measles cases reach over 500 as DPH continues to confirm Upstate connection

South Carolina Department of Public Health measles update

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) has confirmed 88 new cases of measles in the state since Friday, Jan. 15, 2026.

Health officials say the new cases now brings the outbreak total in the state related to the Upstate Outbreak to 646.

Also, officials say there are currently 538 people in quarantine and 33 in isolation.

Based on the new cases, DPH has identified public exposures at the following schools: Starr Elementary (17 students in quarantine), Global Academy (13 students in quarantine), Boiling Springs High School (11 students in quarantine) and Chapman High School (less than 5 students in quarantine), Boiling Springs Elementary (students in quarantine to be determined) and Rainbow Lake Middle (students in quarantine to be determined).

Additionally, students remain in quarantine at the following schools: Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary (59 students in quarantine), Campobello Gramling School (46 students in quarantine), Crestview Elementary (22 students in quarantine), Libertas Academy (15 students in quarantine), Fairforest Elementary (14 students in quarantine), Berry Shoals Elementary (14 students in quarantine), Oakland Elementary (6 students in quarantine), Mabry Middle School (6 students in quarantine) and Landrum High School (6 students in quarantine).

Public exposures were also identified at Clemson University (34 students in quarantine) and Anderson University (50 students in quarantine).

DPH also identified additional locations that individuals visited while infectious with measles.

DPH has defined the times of potential exposure to others at the following locations:

• Publix at 2153 E. Main Street, Duncan, S.C. on Friday, Jan. 16 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
• Food Lion at 11153 Asheville Highway, Inman, SC on Sunday, Jan. 11 from 12 to 8 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DPH is not aware of any risk for measles exposure at these locations beyond the periods of time given.

Vaccines are available at many primary care provider offices and pharmacies, as well as DPH Health Departments.

To stay up-to-date on the latest measles outbreak information, visit SC Department of Public Health’s webpage here.

Outbreak Data Points
Age breakdown of 646 cases:
Under 5: 155
5-17: 419
18+: 51
Unknown: 21

Vaccination status:
563 unvaccinated, 12 partially vaccinated with one of the recommended two-dose MMR sequence, 13 vaccinated, and 58 unknown.