News Summary
South Carolina has reported its first measles case since 2024, involving an unvaccinated individual in the Upstate region. This development alarms health officials amidst a global rise in measles infections. The patient is isolating at home, and public health officials are advising vaccinations and monitoring for potential exposure. Vaccination rates in the state have dropped below the necessary threshold for herd immunity, prompting concern about the ongoing risk of outbreaks.
Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina has confirmed its first case of measles since September 2024, marking a concerning development in the state amid a global rise in infection rates. The confirmed case is located in the Upstate region and involves an unvaccinated individual who lacks immunity from a previous measles infection. Health officials report that this infection is likely travel-related, resulting from exposure during an international trip.
The patient is currently isolating at home to prevent any potential spread of the virus. Measles is known to be highly contagious and can lead to serious health complications, including hospitalization and death. Initial symptoms of this viral illness include fever, cough, and runny nose, which are typically followed by a distinctive rash that lasts approximately five to six days. It is important to note that the measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area, making it particularly challenging to contain.
Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent measles infection, and the measles vaccine has an effectiveness rate of over 97%. Guidelines recommend that children receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine: the first dose is given at ages 12 to 15 months, and the second at ages four to six years. Additionally, for infants aged six to 12 months traveling to areas with high measles prevalence, an early dose of the MMR vaccine is advised.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the United States has reached its highest number of measles cases since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. One contributing factor to this rise in infections has been a decrease in vaccination rates, particularly in South Carolina, which now sits below the ideal threshold of 95% necessary for herd immunity. From 2021 to 2024, the state’s vaccination rate for kindergarteners has dropped by over 2%, with religious exemptions on the rise while medical exemptions have fallen.
Current vaccination rates in South Carolina vary significantly, ranging from 87% to 92% across different regions. The risk of measles cases in South Carolina has been further heightened by active outbreaks occurring in nearby states, prompting public health officials to take action. The state health department is notifying individuals who may have been in contact with the confirmed measles case, advising them to monitor for symptoms and advising potential quarantine as necessary.
Symptoms of measles generally appear about one to two weeks following exposure to the virus, with the contagious period commencing around day five of the infection. Complications from measles can include severe pneumonia, severe diarrhea, and brain inflammation, with rare but possible fatal outcomes.
In light of this recent confirmation, the Department of Health is urging residents in South Carolina to review their immunization records and consult with healthcare providers regarding their vaccination status. Public health officials also emphasize that decades of low measles incidence may have resulted in the disease being overlooked, which complicates timely diagnosis and treatment.
In response to the rising concern, Hilton Head Hospital is taking steps to retrain staff to better recognize and manage measles cases effectively. Furthermore, strict isolation protocols will be enforced for unvaccinated individuals who have had contact with those infected during potential outbreaks, to further safeguard public health.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Measles
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Measles in South Carolina
- Medical Xpress
- Google Scholar: Measles outbreak South Carolina
- SC Daily Gazette
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Measles outbreak July 2025
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
