Measles in the Carolinas: What You Need to Know

A measles outbreak that began in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, has now spread to North Carolina. The outbreak has been ongoing for more than three months, infecting at least 185 people.

Potential Exposure Sites

People who visited certain locations during the holiday season may have been exposed to measles. The infected individual was unaware of their condition at the time. The South Carolina Department of Public Health has released a list of exposure sites and times:

• Nose Dive restaurant in Greenville on December 24 from 1:30-4:30 pm
• Best Buy in Greenville on December 24 from 3-6 pm
• Spartanburg County Public Libraries Headquarters on December 27 from 3:15-6:30 pm

If you were present at these locations during the specified times, monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if any develop.

Symptoms and Complications

Measles symptoms typically appear within one to two weeks of exposure and may include:

• High fever
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• White spots inside the mouth
• Rash (starting on the face and spreading downward)

High-risk groups include:

• Children under 5
• Pregnant women

Potential complications for these groups can be severe, including pneumonia, brain swelling, hospitalization, or even death. Pregnant women may also face risks such as preterm birth or low-birthweight babies.

Prevention and Current Outbreak Status

The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% or greater lifetime protection against the measles virus.

South Carolina's outbreak is currently the second largest in the country, following Arizona. In Arizona, 205 people have been infected, with eight hospitalizations reported. In South Carolina, three people have been hospitalized.

Growing List of Exposure Sites

The list of potential exposure sites continues to grow, including:

• Churches
• Gyms
• Restaurants
• Other businesses
• Airports
• Government offices
• Public schools

Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.