The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has declared an end to the state's measles outbreak. A media briefing will take place Monday at 1 p.m. to discuss the end of the epidemic.
The Upstate outbreak—largely concentrated in Spartanburg County—has a case total of 997 since the spread officially began last October. The last confirmed infection was reported March 15.
DPH Interim Director Dr. Edward Simmer wrote in a statement:
Today, as we declare an end to the Upstate measles outbreak, the largest reported in the United States in more than 35 years, I wish to humbly and profoundly thank the many South Carolinians whose hard work prevented this outbreak from becoming far larger and more serious than it could have become. I am very thankful for their efforts and support during this challenging time.
While 997 is a large number, without the front-line help from a diverse and dedicated group of people from all backgrounds and walks of life, I believe many more cases – and potentially more hospitalizations or even deaths – would have occurred.
The outbreak was predominantly contained to one area of one county and never went statewide, thanks to timely investigations, identification of those exposed, and people’s willingness to stay home. In many ways, this was a textbook response to dealing with an outbreak.
DPH continues to stress the importance of vaccination as the best way to prevent measles and future outbreaks. Vaccines are available at many primary care provider offices and pharmacies, as well as DPH Health Departments.