TUESDAY MEASLES UPDATE: DPH Reports No New Measles Cases Since Friday, Outbreak Total Remains 997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 21, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. ― Today, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is again reporting no new cases of measles in the state since Friday's announcement of an isolated Midlands case in Saluda County. The number of cases related to the Upstate outbreak remains at 997.

There currently is no one in isolation, and 41 are in quarantine related to the Saluda County exposure. The last day of the Saluda County quarantine is May 9.

If no new outbreak-related cases are reported, the last day of the outbreak will be April 26.

A media briefing will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22, at 1 p.m. Barring any further cases, another update will be issued Monday, April 27.

If a new case is reported, DPH will immediately notify the media and resume briefings and updates as appropriate.

A period of 42 days with no new cases is required to declare an end to a measles outbreak. This is double the number of days for an incubation period (21 days) and a clear indicator of a broken transmission chain.  

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.

To stay up-to-date on the latest measles outbreak information, visit our dedicated webpage here. For additional data related to the outbreak, visit our Measles Dashboard.

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