Updated: Apr. 27, 2026
Current Situation
On Apr. 26, 2026, DPH declared the measles outbreak in the Upstate region — that began on Oct. 2, 2025 — over.
As of Apr. 26, 2026, DPH reported 997 cases of measles centered around Spartanburg County for the outbreak. Most cases were close contacts of known cases. However, the number of public exposure sites indicated that measles circulating in the community, increasing the risk of exposure and the risk of infection for those who were not immune due to vaccination or natural infection.
Key Takeaways
- Measles is highly contagious:
- A person is contagious four days before and after a rash begins, meaning someone can spread measles before they know they are infected.
- The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.
- The measles vaccine (MMR and MMRV) is the best way to protect yourself and others against measles. Use the DPH Recommendations for Measles Vaccination chart to understand if you need to be vaccinated or not. Learn more about the vaccine here.
Public Exposure Locations
DPH issued notifications when an investigation identified a specific time frame during which someone with measles may have been present in a public setting. These settings included businesses, restaurants, or other public attractions.
Important Points:
- The risk of exposure is limited to the specific dates and times announced. Once that time frame has passed, the location is not an ongoing risk for measles exposure.
- Exposures occurred only when an infectious person was present during the defined time. The location itself is not a source of ongoing exposure.
- Businesses and locations identified are not responsible for a person with measles having been present.
People who were exposed, especially those without immunity through vaccination or previous disease, should monitor for symptoms.