SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WBTV) – The outbreak of measles in Upstate South Carolina continues to grow in the new year.
The outbreak was first reported in 2025 in the northwesternmost counties of South Carolina, known as the Upstate.
Read also: Measles exposure possible after infected person visits restaurant, Christmas lights in Gaston County
By Jan. 6, 2026, that number had grown to 211 cases, 26 of which were reported between Jan. 2-6.
Of those new cases, the South Carolina Department of Public Health officials said 19 of them came from households and schools known to have been exposed, four came from a church, two were still being investigated, and one of the cases’ source was unknown.
Public exposures were identified at two schools, Sugar Ridge Elementary and Boiling Springs Elementary. Nine students were reportedly in quarantine as of Jan. 6.
Read also: School districts across Carolinas monitor measles outbreak
A handful of churches where exposures were tracked included Ark of Salvation Church, Slavic Pentecostal Church of Spartanburg, Tabernacle of Salvation Church, and Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg.
Upstate outbreak
The Upstate, or northwesternmost counties of South Carolina, began experiencing a measles outbreak in September 2025.
According to health officials, eight cases were reported between Sept. 25 and Oct. 9 in the area. By Oct. 24 – just two weeks later – that number had almost tripled.
See also: Why measles are so transmissible
What is the measles virus
Measles is a highly contagious virus and is spread through the air and by person-to-person contact. It can remain airborne for up to two hours.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that affects the respiratory tract, and can result in serious complications affecting the brain, blood cells, complications in pregnancy, and long-term neurologic effects,” said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist and Health Programs Branch director, in an issued statement.
It can lead to hospitalization and/or death. Symptoms include:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs within three to five days after symptoms begin
Vaccine prevention
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective against measles and 86% effective against mumps if both doses of the vaccine are given.
The MMR vaccine is a common part of routine vaccination for children. The first dose is usually given between 12 and 15 months old, and the second between ages 4 and 6. Earlier doses may be given to children traveling internationally.
See also: Safety Alert: Measles vaccine recommendations
People who have already been exposed to measles can still get the vaccine.
For more information about measles, visit the South Carolina Department of Public Health website.
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