SPARTANBURG, SC — Local health officials confirmed that 139 unvaccinated students in Spartanburg County schools are currently quarantining after being exposed to measles. The affected schools include the Global Academy and Fairforest Elementary, where officials are working closely with the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) to implement precautionary measures.
Last week, 153 students were quarantined, but some have returned after further investigation clarified exposure risks, according to state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell.
The state has reported five additional measles cases this week, bringing South Carolina’s total to 16 since July. Officials identified a Crunch Fitness location in Greenville as a potential source of one child’s exposure in September.
“There is active, unrecognized community transmission of measles occurring in the Upstate,” Dr. Bell said. “It’s vital that everyone is up-to-date on their measles vaccinations.”
Health officials stressed that measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. The best protection remains the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which provides long-lasting immunity. Measles infections can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, hearing loss, and even death.
Dr. Bell also highlighted mobile health units offering MMR vaccines and urged unvaccinated residents to get protected immediately.
“This virus will not stay confined to schools, districts, or counties, but vaccines can contain its spread,” she added. “We anticipate more cases may occur if vaccination coverage remains low.”
The outbreak in South Carolina is part of a broader trend nationwide. Minnesota recently reported two new measles cases, raising the state’s total to 20 this year, mostly among unvaccinated children. Nationally, the U.S. has seen the highest number of measles cases in over 30 years, with outbreaks in Texas leading to fatalities among children.
CDC data shows a decline in measles vaccination coverage: 93% of U.S. kindergarteners were vaccinated in 2021-2022, 92.7% in 2023-2024, down from 95.2% in 2019-2020. Health experts warn that herd immunity requires at least 95% coverage to prevent outbreaks.
South Carolina’s Upstate region currently has around 90% immunity, leaving communities at risk. “Declining vaccination coverage is a serious concern,” Dr. Bell said. “Residents should take immediate action to protect themselves with the MMR vaccine.”