The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an adult in Hampton County.
DPH says the ill person recently traveled internationally, but the source of exposure is unknown. Eight people were potentially exposed and have been asked to quarantine through June 21.
“With measles continuing to circulate in the United States and across the globe, there remains a risk of cases being diagnosed here in South Carolina due to travel,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, acting DPH director. “Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you from measles infection.”
Measles can lead to hospitalization and even death. Initial symptoms include fever, cough and runny nose. A rash follows and can last up to six days.
The airborne virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the sick person is gone from the area. Anyone with the illness is advised to stay home from work or school for four days after their rash first appears.
The measles vaccine is more than 97% effective. It's recommended children receive two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine: the first at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. According to health officials, children 6 to 12 months should get an early dose of the MMR vaccine if they are traveling to a country where measles is common.
For more information about measles, visit the DPH website or CDC website.