FRIDAY MEASLES UPDATE: DPH Reports 99 New Measles Cases in Upstate, Bringing Outbreak total to 310
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 9, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reporting 99 new cases of measles in the state since Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases in South Carolina related to the Upstate outbreak to 310. The outbreak remains centered around Spartanburg County, with most cases located there.
There are currently 200 people in quarantine and nine in isolation. The latest end of quarantine for these is January 29.
“The number of those in quarantine does not reflect the number actually exposed,” said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist and DPH’s incident commander for the measles outbreak. “An increasing number of public exposure sites are being identified with likely hundreds more people exposed who are not aware they should be in quarantine if they are not immune to measles. Previous measles transmission studies have shown that one measles case can result in up to 20 new infections among unvaccinated contacts.”
Numerous public exposure sites also limits our ability to associate non-household related cases to a likely source.
DPH has identified new public exposures at Jesse S. Bobo Elementary and began notifying potentially exposed students, faculty and staff on Dec. 30. Students from Jesse S. Bobo Elementary, Sugar Ridge Elementary and Boiling Springs Elementary who quarantine successfully without becoming ill are scheduled to be able to return to classes Jan. 10.
DPH sent a statewide Health Alert on Jan. 7 advising health care providers and facilities of the importance of heightened awareness for measles and recommended measures for the use of masks and rapid isolation of suspect measles cases to protect people in health care settings from exposures.
A person with measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears, so measles may not be suspected. Therefore, it is very important for those with mild illness or those who are in quarantine to stay home to protect others from possible measles spread. We encourage employers to support workers in following DPH recommendations to stay out of work while ill or in quarantine which also protects businesses, other workers and clients.
To stay up-to-date on the latest measles outbreak information, visit our dedicated webpage here.
Vaccination continues to be the best way to prevent measles and stop this outbreak. Vaccines are available at many primary care provider offices and pharmacies, as well as DPH Health Departments.
DPH’s Mobile Health Unit can be requested by completing this form on our website. DPH will take steps to increase access to MMR vaccination in health department locations or mobile units, should demand dictate.
Outbreak Data Points
Age breakdown of 310 cases:
Under 5: 69
5-17: 206
18+: 29
Minors under 18 (age undisclosed): 6
Vaccination status:
256 unvaccinated, 2 partially vaccinated with one of the recommended two-dose MMR sequence, 2 vaccinated, and 50 unknown.
###
Tags
FRIDAY MEASLES UPDATE: DPH Reports 99 New Measles Cases in Upstate, Bringing Outbreak total to 310
View AllStatement from Interim Agency Director Dr. Edward Simmer
Read Full ArticleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 27, 2026Today, as we declare an end to the Upstate measles outbreak, the largest in the United States in more than 35 years, I wish to humbly and profoundly thank the many South Carolinians whose hard work prevented this outbreak from becoming far larger and more serious than it could have become. I am very thankful for their efforts and support during this challenging time.
-
DPH Announces End to Measles Outbreak in Upstate at 997 Cases
Read Full ArticleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 27, 2026COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is declaring a formal end to the measles outbreak in the Upstate that totaled 997 cases from October 2025 through March of this year.
The last confirmed case was reported March 15, and a period of 42 days of no new cases is required to declare the end of a measles outbreak. This number is double the number of days for an incubation period (21 days) and is a clear indicator of a broken transmission chain.
-
Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in Lancaster County; One Pet Exposed
Read Full ArticleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 24, 2026COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near New Hope and Beaker roads in Heath Springs, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
-
Rabid Skunk Confirmed in Barnwell County; One Person Exposed
Read Full ArticleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 23, 2026COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Marlboro Avenue between McDonald Drive and Dicks Circle in Barnwell, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. At this time, no pets are known to have been exposed.