Health officials in South Carolina have quarantined at least 153 unvaccinated students after they were exposed to measles in two Spartanburg County schools. The students, who do not have immunity to the virus, must remain home for 21 days — the length of the possible incubation period — to prevent further spread.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed that the quarantines involve students from Global Academy and Fairforest Elementary School. Both schools are working closely with health authorities to follow safety protocols and prevent community transmission.
Officials also announced the state’s 11th measles case this year and the eighth reported since late September. “This case tells us there is active, unrecognized community transmission of measles occurring in the Upstate,” the department said in a public statement, urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.
Measles spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, and even through air lingering in enclosed spaces up to two hours after an infected person leaves. The MMR vaccine — which also protects against mumps and rubella — is highly effective and remains the primary defense against the disease.