The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported no new measles cases in its March 27 outbreak update. DPH, which at one point in January had reported 248 new cases in a single week, has not reported a new case of the disease since March 17. The outbreak case total remains at 997 after three updates without a new reported case.
DPH said a potential end to the outbreak could come in April as cases plateau in the nation's largest measles outbreak since the disease was eliminated in the country. A 42-day period, or twice the disease's 21-day incubation time, without new cases would be needed before the public health agency could announce an official end. Right now, that date is set at April 26.
One person is still in quarantine with a set end date of Saturday, March 28. Although case spread has dwindled, DPH and state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said in a Wednesday media briefing that the agency has continued to act with the same vigilance; even if the outbreak were to cease near the end of April, Bell said DPH would continue to encourage safety measures like vaccination and community education.
"To continue to encourage the protective measures that we need to protect our communities — through vaccination — will be just a major means in preventing ongoing spread," she said. "Preventing spread for the potential risk of the potential importation of measles is something we will continue to do."
The outbreak's end and continued measles monitoring was riddled with a slew of potentials. The list of potentials includes a potential surge in cases to follow the end of spring break gatherings and travel. Bell and DPH asked any healthcare providers to report illnesses with a rash and fever to the public health agency for a proper check, even if measles is not suspected.
DPH has reported just 12 measles cases in March so far after it reported 671 new cases in January and 138 new cases in February.
