Measles outbreak hits major South Carolina college campus
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South Carolina’s measles outbreak has spread to Clemson University.
The state Department of Public Health informed Clemson staff of a “confirmed case of measles” in an individual associated with the university, according to a school update released Saturday.
“The individual has been isolated, per DPH requirements, and DPH is conducting contact tracing with individuals who may have been exposed and outlining isolation and quarantine protocols,” the school stated.
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People believed to be exposed to the virus will be contacted by email asking them to quarantine.
Officials report 558 measles cases centered in Spartanburg County during the current outbreak.
The state Department of Public Health informed Clemson staff of a confirmed case of measles in an individual associated with the university. (iStock)
Some cases are travel-related exposures or close contacts with known cases, according to DPH.
Other cases have no identified source, suggesting that measles is circulating in the community and could spread further.
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“In the last seven to nine days, we’ve had over 200 new cases. That number has just doubled in the last week,” Dr. Johnathon Elkes, an emergency physician at Prisma Health in Greenville, South Carolina, said during a news conference Friday.
“We feel like we’re really looking on the edge, knowing that this is about to get a lot worse.”
Nearly 98% of students on Clemson’s main campus have provided proof of immunity, according to the most recent data from Student Health Services. (Mike Comer/Getty Images)
Nearly 98% of students on Clemson’s main campus have provided proof of immunity, according to the most recent data from Student Health Services.
“The health, safety and well-being of the Clemson campus community remains our top priority,” the school said.
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Measles is very contagious, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If a person has it, up to nine out of 10 people will become infected if they do not protect themselves.
“We feel like we’re really looking on the edge, knowing that this is about to get a lot worse.”
A person infected with measles is contagious for four days before and after the rash begins. Isolation of an actively infectious case lasts until four full days have passed after the appearance of the rash.
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Isolation dates are determined by DPH, according to the university’s news release.
Measles quarantine is reserved for exposed people without documented immunity and lasts 21 days after the last exposure, according to DPH guidelines.
If people without documented immunity receive a dose of the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of last exposure, they do not have to quarantine, officials say. (iStock)
If a person without documented immunity receives a dose of the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of last exposure, that person does not have to quarantine.
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The university also claims to have previously provided guidance to students, faculty and staff on measles preparedness.
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More information is available on the Student Health Services website and through the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s measles updates.
Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant at News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of topics including food and drink, travel and health.