The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed five new cases of the highly contagions measles virus in the Upstate. Since July, 16 cases have been reported in the area—12 that health officials say are linked to an ongoing outbreak at two Spartanburg County schools.
According to state health officials, the five new cases in individuals already identified in school settings who have been quarantining at home. The number of students quarantining is also now at 139, down from more than 150.
In a media availability Tuesday, Gov. Henry McMaster said DPH is responding properly to the outbreak.
"I know measles is a serious disease and is highly contagious, but the answer to that is to make sure that the people, the parents, have all the information they need and have accurate information and let them make what they think is the right decision. And we don't want mandates. We're not going to have mandates. And I think that we are responding properly."
Health officials say no new students from either Global Academy of South Carolina or Fairforest Elementary have been excluded from school activities.
Additionally, DPH is identifying Crunch Fitness on South Pleasantburg Dr. in Greenville as the source of a child’s exposure on September 30th. Anyone who was at the location on that day between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. is advised to see their doctor to test for exposure.
Later this week, DPH plans to release Upstate locations where the agency will send a mobile health unit offering measles vaccinations for anyone interested. To stay up-to-date with the latest information on the outbreak, visit the DPH website.
