Upstate Measles Outbreak Escalates with 9 New Cases, Totalling 144

Share and Follow

In Columbia, South Carolina, the Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed an additional nine measles cases since Tuesday, escalating the total count in the Upstate outbreak to 144.

Health officials disclosed that among the newly reported cases, four are linked to household contacts of previously identified cases. Additionally, one case was traced back to exposure at the Way of Truth Church in Inman, another was connected to a school setting, while the origins of the remaining three cases remain unidentified.

Measles Outbreak Cases by Age (Pie Chart)

Examining the demographics of the 144 cases, 31 involve children under the age of 5, 101 are among individuals aged 5 to 17, and 12 cases pertain to adults over 18. Notably, 137 of these cases involve unvaccinated individuals, three had partial vaccinations, one person was fully vaccinated, and the vaccination status of three cases is still unknown.

In light of the new infections, the DPH has pinpointed exposure incidents at New Prospect Elementary School, resulting in 56 students being placed under quarantine. These students are expected to resume attending classes on January 2.

For further insights and updates, follow the comprehensive coverage of the 2025 Upstate Measles Outbreak.

As of Friday December 19, 224 people are currently in quarantine, and four are in isolation.

More information on measles from the South Carolina Department of Public Health:

Symptoms of measles typically begin 7-12 days (but up to 21 days) after exposure, and start with a cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, along with a mild to moderate fever.

Two or three days later, the fever spikes, often as high as 104°F. At the same time, a red blotchy rash appears, usually first on the face and head, then rapidly spreads down the remainder of the body.

A person with measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after its onset, so someone may be able to spread measles before they know they have the disease. It is important to stay home if you are ill. We encourage employers to make sure that workers stay out of worksites and facilities while ill to protect your businesses, your workers and your clients.

We remind people that measles is highly contagious and can cause serious illness resulting in hospitalizations and complications.

If anyone who may have been exposed develops an illness with fever (101°F or more), cough, runny nose or red eyes, with or without rash, immediately call your doctor and let them know about the exposure and symptoms so that they can tell you what to do next.

Your doctor should make special arrangements to evaluate you without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk of exposure. You will be asked to stay at home until the doctor clears you.