Measles Case in Saluda County Adult, 34 Exposed

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DPH Announces Measles Case in Midlands, Unrelated to Upstate Outbreak

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 17, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an adult Saluda County resident. Upon investigation, the case is determined to be the result of international travel and is not related to the Upstate outbreak.

The individual’s vaccination status is unknown. Thirty-four individuals have been identified as potentially exposed, and those individuals are currently in the process of being notified and recommended for quarantine. No public exposures occurred, and the case is isolating to prevent further spread of the virus through April 18.

The subject presented at a local provider in Saluda County on April 14, and lab confirmation of measles was received April 16. Subsequent investigation determined that all appropriate precautions were taken at the provider location to prevent exposure to staff or the public.

This case brings the total number of measles cases in South Carolina since July 2025 to 1,001. The Upstate outbreak total remains at 997, and barring any new associated cases, that outbreak is scheduled to be declared officially over on April 26.

“This case reflects the reality of the world we live in, with measles outbreaks that are currently active in other areas posing a constant threat to spread here as people travel,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, Deputy Director of Health Promotion and Services & Chief Medical Officer.

Measles is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. The initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough and runny nose. These symptoms are followed by a rash. The rash usually lasts five or six days.

The virus can be spread through the air when a person with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the sick person is gone from the area. People with measles should stay home from work or school for four days after their rash first appears.

The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles vaccine is over 97% effective. Children should receive two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine: the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at 4 to 6 years of age.

Children 6 to 12 months should get an early dose of MMR vaccine if they are traveling to a country where measles is common. For all ages, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are going to be traveling to another country.

Most people born before 1957 were infected with measles during childhood and therefore are presumed to have protection via natural immunity, even if they have not been vaccinated.

Certain groups of people, including pregnant women and immunocompromised people, should not receive the MMR vaccine or should delay receiving it. DPH recommends and encourages people to speak with their health care provider to evaluate the risks and benefits of vaccination.

For more information about measles visit the DPH website or CDC website.

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- ## DPH Announces Measles Case in Midlands, Unrelated to Upstate Outbreak

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 17, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an adult Saluda County resident. Upon investigation, the case is determined to be the result of international travel and is not related to the Upstate outbreak.

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• - ## Rabid Dog Confirmed in Anderson County; Four People and One Pet Exposed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 16, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a brown and black German shepherd dog found near La Paz Street and Los Cabos Lane in Pendleton, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Four people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

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- ## Rabid Bat Confirmed in Lexington County; One Person and One Pet Exposed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 15, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Henslowe and Ashburton lanes in West Columbia, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was potentially exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

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- ## TUESDAY MEASLES UPDATE: DPH Reports No New Measles Cases, Outbreak Total Remains 997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 14, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. ― Today, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is again reporting no new cases of measles in the state since March 17, keeping the total number of cases in South Carolina related to the Upstate outbreak at 997.

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