MORNING HEADLINES | The S.C. Department of Public Health (DPH) on Wednesday confirmed the state’s first case of measles since September 2024.
Measles was said to have been eliminated in the United States in 2000, but now as anti-vaccination advocates have rallied against immunizations for preventable diseases, vaccination numbers are down and the U.S. now has the most measles cases in 33 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In South Carolina, an Upstate resident reportedly was exposed to measles during an international trip. The person is currently isolated at home to prevent the spread of the virus. The person was unvaccinated and did not have immunity from a previous measles infection.
In the meantime, the health department has begun a contact investigation and is now notifying people who may have been exposed.
“Measles is highly contagious and a serious disease caused by a virus that affects the respiratory tract. This virus spreads quickly, which is why we must act now to prevent its spread,” said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist and Health Programs Branch director.
Measles can lead to hospitalization and even death, officials said. Initial symptoms include fever, cough and a runny nose, followed by a rash which usually lasts five or six days. The best way to avoid infection is to get vaccinated, the agency said. The measles vaccine is more than 97% effective.
“It is proven that the best way to prevent measles is by vaccination,” Bell said. “I strongly encourage everyone to review their immunization records to make sure they are up to date on all vaccinations and to talk with their health care provider about the benefits and risks of getting vaccinated.”
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