The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has announced new information into the ongoing measles investigation centered around Spartanburg County.
DPH confirms that an infected individual was at the Kanpai of Tokyo restaurant on Winchester Place on Sunday, Nov. 2 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Symptoms typically begin 7 to 12 days after exposure but may not present for up to 21 days. State health officials encourage anyone who was at the location during the specified timeframe to seek medical attention if you believe you may have been exposed.
People who were exposed, especially those without immunity through vaccination or previous disease, should monitor for symptoms through Nov. 23.
Initial symptoms include cough, runny nose, and red eyes, along with a mild to moderate fever. Two or three days later, the fever spikes, often as high as 104°F. At the same time, a red blotchy rash appears, usually first on the face and head, then rapidly spreads down the remainder of the body.
A person with measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after its onset, so someone may be able to spread measles before they know they have the disease. It is important to stay home if you are ill.
DPH is expected to provide additional information during a media briefing Wednesday at 10 a.m. The total number of cases as of last Friday linked to the Spartanburg outbreak comes to 35.