DPH Confirms Measles in Upstate Resident; Third Case of Measles in South Carolina in 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 8, 2025

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an Upstate resident. This is the third confirmed case of measles reported in South Carolina since July 2025. 

The person is unvaccinated and did not have immunity from a previous measles infection. They do not have a specific, known exposure to someone with measles, but they did have a recent international trip to a country with an ongoing measles outbreak and were not contagious while traveling. Currently, they are isolating at home to prevent further spread of the virus.

DPH confirmed it was a positive measles case after receiving test results from its certified public health laboratory. The agency has begun a contact investigation and is notifying people who may have been exposed.

“Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that affects the respiratory tract, and can result in serious complications affecting the brain, blood cells, complications in pregnancy, and long-term neurologic effects,” said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist and Health Programs Branch director. “This virus spreads quickly, which is why we must act now to prevent its spread.”

Measles can lead to hospitalization and even death. The initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, and runny nose. These symptoms are followed by a rash. The rash usually lasts five or six days.

The virus can be spread through the air when a person with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the sick person is gone from the area. People with measles should stay home from work or school for four days after their rash first appears. It is also important for people without immunity to the virus who are exposed to measles to quarantine as instructed, because a person who is infected with measles is contagious from four days before the rash begins through four days after its onset.

"It is crucial that health care providers and the public be aware of the symptoms associated with this disease,” Dr. Bell said. “It is proven that the best way to prevent measles is by vaccination. 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."

The measles vaccine is over 97% effective. Children should receive two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine: the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at 4 to 6 years of age. Children 6 to 12 months should get an early dose of MMR vaccine if they are traveling to a country where measles is common. For all ages, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are going to be traveling to another country. Most people born before 1957 were infected with measles during childhood and, therefore, are presumed to have protection via natural immunity, even if they have not been vaccinated. Certain groups of people, including pregnant women and immunocompromised people, should not receive the MMR vaccine or should delay receiving it. DPH recommends and encourages people to speak with their health care provider to evaluate the risks and benefits of vaccination.

Cases of Measles in South Carolina in 2025
In July, South Carolina had two confirmed cases of measles. The first case was reported, and the second case was identified later and was a known close contact of the first case. Both cases isolated to prevent community spread of measles. In September, South Carolina has one confirmed case of measles that is not associated with the July cases. It total, South Carolina has had three cases of measles in 2025 to date.

For more information about measles visit the DPH website or CDC website.

NOTE TO REPORTERS:
Due to federal and state privacy restrictions, DPH is unable to provide additional information concerning any individual, including details about physical condition, hospitalization, age, sex, and residence.

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