The number of measles infections in South Carolina has topped 400 with 124 confirmed illnesses since last Friday, according to an update released Tuesday by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH). The total number of cases related to the Upstate outbreak now stands at 434.
There are currently 409 people in quarantine and 17 in isolation.
DPH also reports that someone with the virus visited the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia on Friday, Jan. 2 but was not aware they were infectious at the time. Anyone who visited the museum between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. that day may have been exposed.
State health officials say anyone who might have been exposed at the museum could begin developing early symptoms now. The incubation period typically ranges from 7 to 14 days but could push 21 days. People who may have been exposed at the museum should monitor for symptoms through next Friday, Jan. 23.
DPH encourages South Carolinians who are not immune, either by vaccination or previous illness, to become vaccinated. Officials emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the virus and stop the spread.
The agency's Mobile Health Unit will be in the Spartanburg community tomorrow and Thursday for residents to take advantage of free measles vaccinations. The unit will be at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Wheeler Ct. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.
The vaccine will be offered at no cost to adults and children ages six months and older. Appointments are not required.
The latest information on the can be found on the DPH website.