BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has reported 88 new measles cases since Friday, bringing the total number of infections tied to the Upstate outbreak to 646. While no public exposures have been confirmed in Berkeley County, health officials are urging everyone to remain alert and take preventive measures.
Currently, 538 individuals across the state are in quarantine and 33 are in isolation. The latest quarantine period is expected to end by February 23.
Most of the new cases and quarantines are concentrated in Upstate schools and universities, including Boiling Springs High School, Chapman High School, and Clemson University. Public exposures were also identified at two grocery stores in Spartanburg County: Publix in Duncan and Food Lion in Inman. DPH has specified exposure windows and recommends that anyone who visited those locations during the listed times monitor for symptoms.
What Berkeley County Residents Should Know
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Although Berkeley County has not been directly impacted, health officials are closely monitoring the situation. With hundreds of unvaccinated individuals statewide, the risk of spread remains high. DPH continues to emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and protect vulnerable populations.
Measles symptoms typically begin 7–12 days after exposure (but can take up to 21 days) and include:
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Fever (101°F or higher)
- Rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body
If you develop symptoms and suspect exposure, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not walk into a clinic or hospital without calling ahead—staff may arrange for masks or isolation to prevent further spread.
Vaccination and Prevention
Measles vaccines are available at most primary care offices, pharmacies, and DPH Health Departments, including those serving Berkeley County. The recommended MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is a two-dose series that provides strong protection against infection.
Of the 646 confirmed cases statewide:
- 563 were unvaccinated
- 12 had received only one dose
- 13 were fully vaccinated
- 58 had unknown vaccination status
Age breakdown:
- Under 5: 155 cases
- Ages 5–17: 419 cases
- Ages 18+: 51 cases
- Unknown: 21 cases
Local officials encourage residents to check their vaccination records and ensure children are up to date before returning to school or daycare settings.
For the latest updates on the measles outbreak and guidance for Berkeley County residents, visit the South Carolina DPH’s dedicated measles webpage.
