SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Over 150 unvaccinated students in Spartanburg County have been placed under a mandatory 21-day quarantine following a measles outbreak at Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary School.
State health officials confirmed that seven of the 11 measles cases reported in South Carolina this year are linked to this local outbreak, which began on September 25.
The quarantined students were identified as having been exposed to measles and lacking vaccination, leaving them highly susceptible to the contagious disease. Measles spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing and can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
Health experts emphasize that the measles vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing around 97% protection against infection.
The outbreak in Spartanburg reflects a national surge in measles, with over 1,500 cases reported in the U.S. this year—the highest number since measles was declared eliminated 25 years ago. Texas experienced the largest outbreak this summer, reporting over 760 cases before the outbreak was declared over in mid-August.
Parents are urged to ensure their children are vaccinated and monitor for symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, and the characteristic red rash.