South Carolina has recorded its first measles case this year, public health officials said Wednesday.
The case comes from an Upstate resident, who was unvaccinated and did not have immunity from a prior measles infection, the state Department of Public Health said.
Officials said the person was exposed to the virus during an international trip, but was not contagious while traveling. The person, who was not identified, is quarantining at home.
This is South Carolina's first confirmed case of measles since September. That case also was confirmed in an Upstate resident.
The virus can spread in the air when a person with measles breathes, coughs or sneezes. It can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the sick person leaves that area.
The measles virus can potentially lead to hospitalization or even death. The first symptoms of the virus include fever, cough and a runny nose, which can be followed by a rash that can last for about five to six days.
"It is crucial that health care providers and the public be aware of the symptoms associated with this disease,” said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist and Health Programs Branch director.
Bell added, “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 more than 97% effective, the public health department said.
South Carolina's case is part of a nationwide surge in measles cases this year.
As of July 9, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 1,288 measles cases this year.
The CDC said about 36% of these cases were found in people ages 5-19 years old. People 20 years and older make up 34% of these cases, and 29% of cases were found in children under the age of 5.
Ninety-two percent of people confirmed to have the virus were either unvaccinated or it was unknown whether they were vaccinated or not, according to the CDC.
