GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak in the Upstate, according to the South Carolina Department of Health.
The outbreak initially stemmed from exposure related to international travel, but health officials now classify it as community spread after five additional cases emerged in the last two weeks. Officials expect more cases to develop.
Health officials noted that all infected individuals are unvaccinated and lack natural immunity from previous measles infections.
School cases identified
Health officials have identified cases associated with a school, but did not specify which school or county is affected. The connection to educational facilities raises concerns about potential exposure among student populations.
Symptoms and precautions
Health officials are urging residents to watch for measles symptoms, which include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. After a few days, a rash begins to develop on the body.
Officials recommend that sick individuals stay home and notify their doctor’s office ahead of any planned visits so medical staff can take precautionary measures. They also strongly recommend the MMR vaccine, which provides lifelong immunity against measles.
“We do know that young children are at higher risk from complications,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell. “As are people who have a weakened immune system. Pregnant women can do poorly with complications of pregnancy, early delivery, and the risk of complications for the woman herself. We know that pneumonia is a serious complication. That’s the leading cause of death in young children. And other complications for people to be aware of are inflammation of the brain or encephalitis. ”
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Measles outbreak hits Upstate school
