South Carolina’s Upstate measles outbreak has grown to 135 confirmed cases, with the state total at 138 so far this year, and the cluster remains concentrated in Spartanburg County as the outbreak persists.

Currently, 168 people are in quarantine and one person is in isolation, reflecting ongoing transmission and containment efforts as holiday travel looms.

Public health guidance emphasizes fever and rash as key symptoms, the contagious period spans four days before to four days after rash onset, and staying home while ill or in quarantine, with vaccination as a central prevention measure.

Two-dose MMR vaccination provides about 97 percent protection, and health experts advocate a 95 percent community vaccination rate to hinder spread, along with inviting mobile vaccination clinics to reach more people.

Travel and holiday activities raise exposure opportunities in crowded places like malls, churches, and schools, heightening the potential for hundreds or thousands of additional cases if precautions aren’t followed.

Measles is extremely contagious, spreading four days before to four days after rash onset and can remain airborne for up to two hours, underscoring the risk in public settings during the holidays.

The infectious period can begin days before symptoms and the virus can survive on air and surfaces for hours, prompting concerns about spread in public venues and schools.

Measles, a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the rubeola virus, can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.

Quarantine lasts 21 days after exposure, and unvaccinated students exposed to a known case are not allowed to attend school.

Public health officials report cooperation from the church in implementing recommendations to curb spread.

There are no scheduled Spartanburg vaccination events at present, but the mobile health unit may visit if community partners request, with priority given to such requests.

Exposed or ill individuals should notify a healthcare provider before seeking care to allow precautions, and it remains important to stay home while sick or in quarantine to slow transmission.