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The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an Upstate resident who was recently on an international flight.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notified DPH on September 12 about passengers exposed to a person with measles.
Test results confirmed the Upstate resident has measles as of September 16.
DPH is investigating potential contacts and notifying individuals who may have been exposed in healthcare settings, but no other community exposures have been identified.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by a rash that lasts five to six days. While most people recover, about 20% of cases require hospitalization.
Vaccination is key to prevention. Children should receive the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years.
Although measles is rare in the U.S., cases are rising globally, and outbreaks can occur.
Anyone traveling abroad should consult a healthcare provider about vaccinations.
Children ages 6 to 12 months may need an early MMR dose if traveling to areas where measles is common, and everyone should ensure their vaccinations are up to date.