State epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell spoke with reporters Wednesday, after the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) provided its weekly update on the state of the Upstate measles outbreak.
Dr. Bell says the outbreak, which now has infected 789 people, has sent some residents to the hospital.
"While complications are not reportable to DPH," said Bell, "We have learned that 18 people have required hospitalization from complications of the disease since the beginning of the outbreak in October."
Those hospitalized include children and adults, according to the department.
Dr. Bell said the state hopes to diminish complications by increasing MMR vaccination coverage.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health launched a new Measles dashboard on Friday.
