How the South Carolina measles outbreak grew from 5 to almost 1,000 cases

It started with just five known cases in October, but by January exploded to 847 — becoming larger than last year’s deadly outbreak in Texas. As of March 10, the outbreak had further grown to 993 known cases.

Along the way, hundreds of additional people in South Carolina — many of them children at schools with low vaccination rates — have had to stay in home quarantine for up to 21 days because they aren’t immunized and have been exposed to contagious people.

South Carolina’s state epidemiologist, Dr. Linda Bell, has said there are likely many more people who aren’t in quarantine, but should be. They are unaware they’ve been exposed during the normal course of their lives: Going to work, school, and church, shopping for groceries, dining in restaurants, and visiting museums.

Measles spreads through the air and can linger in a room for two hours after an infectious person has left. The people who are spreading the disease often don’t know they have it: They are contagious for four days before they develop the virus’ hallmark rash.

A Healthbeat review of the outbreak’s history provides a detailed timeline of how the South Carolina Department of Public Health worked to trace and contain new infections. For a while, the outbreak smoldered with few new cases. Then the holiday season supercharged the spread in January.

The South Carolina outbreak is far from over.

In this article, Healthbeat retraces how it happened.

October 2, 2025 - South Carolina announces measles outbreak

Total outbreak cases: 5.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health announces it has confirmed a measles outbreak in the Upstate region, the northwest part of the state that includes Spartanburg County. During 2025, the state had only identified three earlier measles cases: two in July and one in early September — and those were linked to exposures during international travel, plus one close contact of a traveler who became infected. “We now have identified five cases in a little more than a week,” Bell said. “This sharp uptick in cases and the unknown source of two of the recent cases indicates unrecognized community spread.”

October 7, 2025 - Two schools have early outbreak cases

Total outbreak cases: 7. New cases: 2.

Two additional cases of measles are identified in Spartanburg County, raising to seven outbreak cases that had been reported since Sept. 25. None have an identified source, state health officials said, “suggesting that measles is circulating in the community.” Two schools — Global Academy of South Carolina, a public charter school where state data show only 21% of students had all their school vaccinations, and Fairforest Elementary, a public school where 82% of students were up-to-date on their school shots — are locations with confirmed measles cases. Health officials identified 153 unvaccinated students at the two schools who were exposed and at risk of measles infection, resulting in their required exclusion from classes until the 21-day period of potential disease transmission was over. The school exclusion periods were over on Oct. 21 for the Global Academy students, and on Oct. 22 for the Fairforest students.

Vaccination coverage of 95% is needed in local communities to stop the spread of measles. Across Spartanburg County, the state health department estimates that just 90% of school-age children are fully vaccinated. Rates at some schools are even lower, state data show.

October 9, 2025 - A child in Greenville County has measles

Total outbreak cases: 8. New cases: 1.

State health officials announce another case of measles, a child in Greenville County, which borders the west side of Spartanburg County. While it was not immediately clear whether the child’s illness was related to the Spartanburg County outbreak, health officials eventually included the case in the outbreak count. “What this case tells us is that there is active, unrecognized community transmission of measles occurring in the Upstate, which makes it vital to ensure that the public have received their measles vaccinations,” the state health department said. The department would later identify the Crunch Fitness gym at 1332 S. Pleasantburg Dr. in Greenville as the source of the child’s exposure on Sept. 30.

The total case count of eight includes this Greenville County child, whose measles case was later determined to be an outbreak case on Oct. 21.

October 14, 2025 - School exposures result in more cases

Total outbreak cases: 13. New cases: 5.

Five new measles infections are confirmed among unvaccinated students who were already in quarantine at home because of previously reported school exposures. The department previously identified exposures at Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary. “Because they were quarantining before they became infectious, no additional exposures occurred with these new cases,” state health officials said. The state health department announces the next day that it will be sending its mobile measles vaccination unit to hold five events at four locations in Spartanburg County — including churches, a community center, and a library.

The total case count of 13 includes a Greenville County child whose measles infection was announced on Oct. 9 as being under investigation, and was later determined to be an outbreak case on Oct. 21.

October 17, 2025 - Three cases among contacts in quarantine

Total outbreak cases: 16. New cases: 3.

Three new cases are identified among close contacts of people with measles who were already in quarantine at home. State health officials said the new cases show how early quarantine after an identified exposure “is highly effective in preventing community spread.”

The total case count of 16 includes a Greenville County child whose measles infection was announced on Oct. 9 as being under investigation, and was later determined to be an outbreak case on Oct. 21.

October 21, 2025 - Four new cases in Spartanburg County

Total outbreak cases: 20. New cases 4.

Two new cases are confirmed among close contacts of people already in home quarantine. And two additional measles cases are identified in association with a business in Spartanburg that had “no public exposures,” health officials said. They also announce that the Greenville County child exposed at a gym whose case was announced on Oct. 9 is now being considered an outbreak case “due to ongoing unrecognized community transmission.”

October 24, 2025 - Two more sickened with measles

Total outbreak cases: 22. New cases 2.

Two new measles cases are confirmed in Spartanburg County; both are linked to close contacts of people with measles who had been in quarantine at home, state health officials announced.

October 28, 2025 - Mobile clinics give 24 shots as more fall ill

Total outbreak cases: 30. New cases: 8.

As state health officials announce eight new measles cases in Spartanburg County among close contacts of people already in home quarantine, they continue to send their mobile vaccination clinic to offer free measles shots at more locations. Multiple vaccination events have been offered in the community since Oct. 16, but only 24 vaccines have been administered: 19 to adults and five to children, state health officials said.

October 31, 2025 - State emphasizes isolation, quarantine

Total outbreak cases: 34. New cases: 4.

Four new measles infections were confirmed in Spartanburg County. All were linked to close contacts of previously known cases. “No public exposures have been identified from these cases,” state health officials said. “We continue to rely on isolation and quarantine measures for those who have been exposed and are unvaccinated to prevent the spread of measles in the community to contain this outbreak.” The state health department added that its “additional response” to the outbreak “is to encourage protection with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine for those who are not immune.” With free mobile vaccination clinics ongoing, just 28 doses of MMR vaccine — 23 to adults and five to children — have been administered since the outreach events began on Oct. 16.

November 4, 2025 — No new cases as holiday season looms

Total outbreak cases: 34. New cases: 0.

No new measles cases were identified by health officials since the previous Friday. Yet they cautioned that 34 people were still in quarantine because they were unvaccinated and had been exposed to someone who was contagious. The latest end date for those in quarantine to no longer be at risk of developing measles is Nov. 24. “We are reminding people that travel for the upcoming holidays increases the risk of exposures greatly for those traveling and for those accepting visitors,” the state health department said. “Consider getting vaccinated now to prevent measles from disrupting your holiday plans.”

November 7, 2025 — Another case confirmed, more expected

Total outbreak cases: 35. New cases: 1.

State health officials announce they have identified one new measles case and are still investigating how many people may have been exposed to the virus by this person. “We also expect more cases to come in the days ahead from exposed family members of known previous cases,” the state health department said, noting that there are 31 people in quarantine.

November 10, 2025 — Restaurant mistakenly flagged for exposure

While investigating the ongoing outbreak, state health officials put out a press release saying a person who was infectious with measles was at the Kanpai of Tokyo restaurant at 2300 Winchester Pl. in Spartanburg on Nov. 2 from 3 to 6 p.m.; they urged anyone who believes they were exposed — particularly those without immunity — to contact their health care providers. But a mistake was made, and the health department said it had been given the wrong date: The person actually dined at the restaurant in late October — at a time when they weren’t infectious.

“Our business went down for a good two months. We lost sales, we lost wages,” general manager Nick Nakincheng told Healthbeat. “People thought we closed, and then people were just scared to even come at all.” Business is finally returning, he said in January. But the state health department, while acknowledging the error to the Post and Courier in December, still had not corrected its press release as of Jan. 26. The department declined to answer Healthbeat’s questions about the error or explain why the press release remained posted on its website without correction — even though it had corrected at least one other outbreak press release. After Healthbeat published this timeline, the department added a correction to its Kanpai of Tokyo press release.

November 12, 2025 — Eight new measles cases identified

Total outbreak cases: 43. New cases: 8.

Of the eight new measles cases announced by state officials, six were household members of known cases who were in quarantine. But the source of the infection for the other two cases, who were people from the same household, is unclear. “The unidentified source of the two new cases reinforces our concern about potential ongoing community transmission,” the state health department said.

November 14, 2025 — One new measles case

Total outbreak cases: 44. New cases 1.

Just one new measles case has been identified since the state’s last update and the extent of others exposed to the person is still under investigation, state health officials said; 18 people are currently in quarantine because of outbreak exposures.

November 18, 2025 — More cases, more public exposures

Total outbreak cases: 49. New cases: 5.

While two of the five new cases are household members of known measles cases in quarantine, the source of the infection of the other three people is unknown, state health officials said. “The initial investigation of contacts of the new cases has determined potential exposures in public settings. Additional information will be provided once more details are obtained,” the department said, noting that 84 people are in quarantine and that direct contacts and facilities that have been impacted are being notified about the potential exposures.

November 21, 2025 — School, church, airport exposures

Total outbreak cases: 52. New cases: 3.

State health officials announce the confirmation of three new measles cases — and that as a result of contact tracing by health workers, there are now 137 people in quarantine because they are unvaccinated and have been exposed, plus one person in isolation because of infection. Many of these people are from schools in Spartanburg County: 57 are from Lyman Elementary School (where 89% of students were up-to-date on school vaccines); 55 are from Boiling Springs Middle School; and one attends D.R. Hill Middle School (where 88% of students were up-to-date on vaccines). Health officials also warned that an employee at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport who was infected with measles may have exposed airport visitors between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 and 11. They also said an infectious person attended the Way of Truth Church in Inman, S.C., which is in Spartanburg County, from 7 to 11 p.m. on Nov. 7 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 9.

November 25, 2025 — Public exposure at county treasurer’s office

Total outbreak cases 55. New cases: 3.

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the state health department announces they have identified three additional measles cases. Two of the people are household members of known cases. The source of the third person’s infection is still being investigated. Meanwhile, the department warns of another public exposure location: An infectious person was at the Spartanburg County Treasurer’s Office on Nov. 17 and 18 during the hours the office was open.

November 28, 2025 — Public exposure event at Costco

Total outbreak cases: 62. New cases: 7.

Of the seven new measles cases announced, six were household members of known cases who were in quarantine, and one was a person exposed in a school setting who also was in quarantine. Total people currently in quarantine: 144; six in isolation. State health officials also warn there was a potential measles exposure event at a Costco store and tire center at 211 W. Blackstock Rd. in Spartanburg on Nov. 18 between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

December 2, 2025 - More school exposures, 14 new cases

Total outbreak cases: 76. New cases: 14.

Eight of the 14 new measles cases announced by state health officials were the result of the previously reported exposure at the Way of Truth Church in Inman. Three of the new cases were exposed in a school setting, and the other three are still under investigation. Based on public health investigations of the new cases, the public was alerted that four Spartanburg County schools were the sites of additional measles exposures, requiring dozens of unvaccinated students to be excluded from school and quarantined. The schools involved: Hendrix Elementary School, where state data show 87% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (40 students in quarantine); Mabry Middle School, where 81% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (13 students in quarantine); Chapman High School, where 87% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (5 students in quarantine); and Tyger River Elementary School, where 89% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (17 students in quarantine).

December 5, 2025 — Measles quarantines hit more schools

Total outbreak cases: 84. New cases: 8.

Eight new measles cases are announced by state health officials, but the number of people in quarantine and at risk of developing measles has jumped to 281. Based on public health investigations of the new cases, the public was alerted to new measles exposures at four additional Spartanburg County schools: Fairforest Elementary School, where 82% of students were up-to-date on their school vaccines (44 students in quarantine); Rainbow Lake Middle School, where 82% of students were up-to-date on vaccines (61 students in quarantine); Fairforest Middle School, where 90% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (fewer than 5 students in quarantine); Dorman Freshman Campus, where 93% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (15 students in quarantine). This is the second round of quarantines at Fairforest Elementary, which was one of the earliest sites of known measles cases in early October.

December 9, 2025 — Earlier church exposure fuels new infections

Total outbreak cases: 111. New cases: 27.

Of the 27 new measles cases announced, 16 resulted from previously reported exposure incidents in November at Way of Truth Church in Inman. Eight of the new infections were among household members of known cases. One infection was from a school exposure, one had an unknown source, and one was from an exposure in a health care setting. State health officials said the new cases have resulted in additional public exposures at Inman Intermediate School, where state data show 83% of students were up-to-date on vaccines (43 students in quarantine). Officials continue to encourage those who may have been exposed to measles to alert their health care provider in advance of going to their office, so that measures can be taken to protect against additional exposures.

December 12, 2025 — More than 300 in quarantine, 15 new cases

Total outbreak cases: 126. New cases: 15.

As state health officials investigate the contacts of 15 new measles cases, they identified two more Spartanburg County schools where public exposures have occurred: Campobello Gramling School, where state data show 80% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (67 students in quarantine), and Boiling Springs Elementary School, where 80% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (16 students in quarantine). Overall, 303 people are in quarantine, many of them students at 11 schools. The large number in quarantine is a potential warning sign of the magnitude of future measles cases because there is a lag time between when people are exposed and when they start feeling sick — typically seven to 10 days, but sometimes as long as 21 days.

Of the 15 new cases, 13 involved exposures within households with known measles cases; one infection involved a neighborhood contact; and the source of one is unknown and under investigation.

December 16, 2025 - Nine new cases, another school exposure

Total outbreak cases: 135. New cases: 9.

Of the nine new measles cases announced, five were the result of a previously reported exposure at Way of Truth Church in Inman. Three cases involved known household exposures and one involved a neighborhood contact. Investigations of the new cases identified an additional Spartanburg County school with public exposures: Berry Shoals Elementary School, where 93% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (44 students in quarantine).

December 19, 2025 — Another school with measles exposures

Total outbreak cases: 144. New cases: 9.

State health officials announce nine new measles cases: Four were infections of household members of known cases; one was from a previously identified school exposure; one was from a previously identified exposure at Way of Truth Church in Inman; and the source of three infections is unknown. Contact investigations for the new cases identified an additional school where measles exposures have occurred: New Prospect Elementary School in Inman, where 82% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (56 students in quarantine).

December 23, 2025 — Nine new measles cases identified

Total outbreak cases: 153. New cases: 9.

Of the nine new cases announced, five resulted from household exposures to known cases; two involved a previously known school exposure; the source of one is unknown; and another is still being investigated.

December 26, 2025 — Three new measles cases identified

Total outbreak cases: 156. New cases: 3.

Amid the holiday season, three new measles cases were reported between Tuesday and Friday. All were the result of a previously reported school exposure, state officials said. There are 252 people in quarantine and three in isolation. The latest end date for those in quarantine is Jan. 15.

December 30, 2025 — As cases rise, 3 hospitalized from measles

Total outbreak cases: 176. New cases: 20.

Since Friday, state health officials identified 20 new measles cases and learned of three people — including adults and children — who required hospitalization because of complications from the disease. Citing patient privacy, health officials would not provide additional details about the hospitalized cases. The measles virus can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, risks of premature births for pregnant mothers and it also can weaken a person’s immune system. Of the new cases, seven involved household exposures, five involved a previously known school exposure, two involved a church exposure, and one resulted from an exposure at either school or church, the state health department said.

January 2, 2026 — Nine more measles cases identified

Total outbreak cases: 185. New cases: 9.

Of the nine new cases detected, four were household exposures of known measles cases; one involved a previously reported school exposure; one case is still being investigated; and the source of three cases is unknown. The number of people in quarantine because they lack immunity and have been exposed: 223; three are in isolation for infections.

January 3, 2026 — Exposures at Best Buy, restaurant, library

The state health department announces that a person who did not know they were infectious with measles visited multiple public locations during the previous week. On Dec. 24, they visited the Nose Dive Restaurant, a gastropub at 116 S. Main St. in Greenville, then went to a Best Buy store at 1125 Woodruff Rd. in Greenville. A few days later, on Dec. 27, they attended an afternoon planetarium show about solar superstorms at the Spartanburg County Public Libraries headquarters library in downtown Spartanburg, which in October opened a new planetarium learning center with a 135-seat domed theater. Todd Stephens, the county’s librarian, said a public health official called him the day before the state’s press release went out and let him know someone with measles had been in the library’s theater a week earlier. “We have a response plan on Covid. We don’t have a document like that for this,” Stephens told Healthbeat. “But I can say we applied some of those principles that we’ve learned.” He said he’s not received any calls or concerns from library patrons about the potential exposure and he is not aware of anyone becoming infected.

January 6, 2026 — Public exposures at more schools, churches

Total outbreak cases: 211. New cases: 26.

Among the 26 new cases identified by state health officials, 19 involved exposures in households with known cases and at schools with previously announced exposures. Four of the new infections resulted from an exposure at church. One case has an unknown source, and two are still being investigated. Another 144 people without immunity are in quarantine because of exposures. Investigations of recent cases identified multiple locations of public exposures. Nine students are in quarantine at two Spartanburg County schools where these exposures occurred: Sugar Ridge Elementary, where 78% of students are up-to-date on vaccines, and Boiling Springs Elementary, where 80% of students are up-to-date on vaccines. It was the second time during the outbreak that students at Boiling Springs Elementary had to be quarantined; the previous quarantines were in December. Churches where public exposures occurred, health officials said, included: Tabernacle of Salvation Church, Slavic Pentecostal Church of Spartanburg, Ark of Salvation Church, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg.

January 7, 2026 - Health alert sent to providers, facilities

The state department of public health sent out a statewide alert to all health care providers and facilities about the importance of having “heightened awareness” for measles and providing advice on the recommended measures for the use of masks and rapid isolation of people suspected of having measles infections to protect others in health care settings from being exposed.

January 9, 2026 — Measles cases spike with 99 new infections

Total outbreak cases: 310. New cases: 99.

Between Tuesday and Friday this week, state health officials identified 99 new cases of measles. They said another 200 people were in quarantine because of exposures. Dr. Linda Bell, the state epidemiologist, warned it was becoming increasingly difficult to identify likely sources of infection because of the increasing number of public exposure sites. “The number of those in quarantine does not reflect the number actually exposed,” Bell said. “An increasing number of public exposure sites are being identified with likely hundreds more people exposed who are not aware they should be in quarantine if they are not immune to measles.” The department flags one new public exposure site: Jesse S. Bobo Elementary School, where state data show 94% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines.

January 13, 2026 - Surge continues with 124 new measles cases

Total outbreak cases: 434. New cases: 124.

Health officials announce another surge in cases, with 124 new infections identified in recent days. They said another 409 people are in isolation because they were exposed and lacked vaccination or immunity from previous infection; 17 were in isolation. Investigators have learned of more than 30 public locations where infectious people have potentially exposed others to measles in recent days, Bell said. Besides schools, these locations have included churches, restaurants, and many health care settings, she said. But the department is only naming locations where details about exposure dates and times are available to allow the public to take informed actions, she said.

Adding to concerns: Health officials learned that a person who didn’t know they were infectious had visited the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia — the state’s capital city, which is about 95 miles southeast of the outbreak area in Spartanburg County. No measles cases have been identified outside the Upstate region, officials said. “Circulation of the measles virus is increasing in numerous community settings in the Upstate, and the risk of infection to those who are not immune to measles by vaccination or previous disease is increasing,” Bell said. “This includes people who may be traveling to the upstate region. So [the Department of Public Health] strongly encourages those who are not protected to consider getting vaccinated now to protect against unexpected exposures, against illness, and possible complications.”

January 15, 2026 — S.C. residents spark Washington, N.C. cases

The Snohomish County Health Department in Washington state announces that an infectious family from South Carolina who was visiting the area two weeks ago is now connected to three new measles cases among local children. The three cases are considered an outbreak and a sign the virus is spreading in the community, the department said. The South Carolina family members, one adult and two children, were infectious while visiting multiple locations in Everett, Marysville, and Mukilteo — including schools — from Dec. 27, 2025 through Jan. 1, 2026. They also flew through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. “We are hoping to contain it, but unfortunately there have been a number of exposure sites already and there are likely more cases in the community that we do not know about yet,” said Dr. James Lewis, the Snohomish County health officer.

In North Carolina, state health officials announce that the South Carolina outbreak is connected to two cases of measles in unvaccinated siblings Buncombe County, N.C.

January 16, 2026 — Schools hit with repeated quarantines

Total outbreak cases: 558. New cases: 124.

Another 124 new measles cases are announced by state health officials; 531 people are in quarantine; and 85 are in isolation. The outbreak continues to be centered around Spartanburg County, they said.

Based on investigations of the newest cases, health officials said public exposures have occurred at nine schools: Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary, where state data show 80% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (53 students in quarantine); Campobello Gramling School, where 80% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (46 students in quarantine — and the school’s second round of quarantines); Crestview Elementary, where 90% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (22 students in quarantine); Libertas Academy, where 74% of students are up-to-date on their vaccines (15 students in quarantine); Fairforest Elementary, where 82% of students were up-to-date on their school vaccines (14 students in quarantine — and the third round of quarantines at this school); Berry Shoals Elementary, where 93% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (14 students in quarantine — and the school’s second round of quarantines); Oakland Elementary, where 83% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (6 students in quarantine); Mabry Middle School, where 81% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (6 students in quarantine — and the school’s second round of quarantines); and Landrum High School, where 94% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (5 students in quarantine).

Additional public exposures occurred during certain hours at: Walmart at 203 Cedar Springs Rd. in Spartanburg on Jan. 3; Wash Depot at 2177 S. Pine St. in Spartanburg on Jan. 3 and 4; and at Bintime Spartanburg at 445 S. Blackstock Rd. in Spartanburg on Jan. 7.

January 20, 2026 — Exposures at schools, Clemson University

Total outbreak cases: 646. New cases: 88.

“As we continue to watch this daily surge in cases, DPH strongly encourages those who are not protected to take advantage of the opportunity to get protected,” Dr. Linda Bell, the state epidemiologist, says at a press briefing about the outbreak numbers released on Jan. 20.

In recent days, state health officials identified 88 new measles cases. They said 538 people are in quarantine and 33 in isolation. Bell said that since the outbreak began,10 people, including adults and children, have required hospitalization for measles complications.

Through investigations of the latest cases, health officials have identified six additional schools where public exposures have recently occurred: Starr Elementary, where 96% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (17 students in quarantine); Global Academy of South Carolina, where 21% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (13 students in quarantine — and this school’s second round of quarantines); Boiling Springs High School, where 92% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (11 students in quarantine); Chapman High School, where 87% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (fewer than 5 students in quarantine — this is the school’s second round of quarantines); Boiling Springs Elementary (students in quarantine to be determined — this is the school’s third round of quarantines); Rainbow Lake Middle School, where 82% of students were up-to-date on vaccines (quarantine numbers still being determined — this is the school’s second round of quarantines).

Public exposures have also been identified at Clemson University (where 34 students were in quarantine) and Anderson University (where 50 students were in quarantine). While both universities are in South Carolina’s Upstate region, they are in counties west and southwest of the Spartanburg County area where the outbreak has been centered.

Additional public measles exposures were announced as occurring during certain hours at two grocery stores: a Publix at 2153 E. Main St. in Duncan on Jan. 16; and a Food Lion at 11153 Asheville Hwy. in Inman on Jan. 11 and 12.

January 23, 2026 — Cases reach 700, plus 485 in quarantine

Total outbreak cases: 700. New cases: 54.

The number of known cases in South Carolina’s measles outbreak is approaching the total cases in the huge Texas outbreak last year. When the Texas outbreak was declared over in August 2025, the state health department had confirmed 762 measles cases since late January 2025. Two school-age children died and 99 people required hospitalization. The South Carolina Department of Public Health announces it has identified 54 new measles cases in the Upstate region — raising the total outbreak cases to 700. There are an additional 485 people in quarantine and 10 people are in isolation, the department said. Since the outbreak began, 12 people have required hospitalization.

Case investigations have identified additional public exposures at multiple schools: Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary, where 77% of students are up-to-date on their school vaccines (22 students in quarantine); Cannons Elementary, where 95% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (8 students in quarantine); Abner Creek Middle School, where 89% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (the number of students being quarantined is still being determined); Mayo Elementary, where 89% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (student quarantines still being determined); and Sugar Ridge Elementary, where 78% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (student quarantines still being determined, this is the second round of quarantines at this school).

Additional public exposure locations occurred during certain hours at: Anytime Fitness at 3621 Boiling Springs Rd. in Boiling Springs on Jan. 13; the U.S. Post Office at 504 Pennsylvania Ave. in Greer on Jan. 13; Goodwill at 1333 W. Wade Hampton Blvd. in Greer on Jan. 13; and Aldi at 1560 W. Floyd Baker Blvd. in Gaffney on Jan. 17.

January 27, 2026 — S.C. outbreak exceeds Texas outbreak

Total outbreak cases: 789. New cases: 89.

State health officials announce they have confirmed 89 new measles cases, and that there are 557 people in quarantine and 20 in isolation. Outbreak investigators also have identified more public measles exposures that have occurred at several schools: Dorman High, where 96% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines; Inman Intermediate, where students have previously been quarantined and 83% of students are up-to-date on vaccines; and New Prospect Elementary in Inman, where students have previously been quarantined and where 82% of students are up-to-date. The state health department said the number of students that need to quarantine at each of these schools is still being determined. The newly identified cases raise the South Carolina outbreak’s total to 789 — surpassing the number sickened in the deadly Texas outbreak last year. In Texas, 762 cases of measles were confirmed in an outbreak that began in late January 2025 and was declared over in August 2025.

January 30, 2026 — Surge puts 443 in quarantine

Total outbreak cases: 847. New cases: 58.

Numbers released by the state health department show 58 new measles cases have been identified. There are 443 people in quarantine who have been exposed, who lack immunity, and who are at risk of developing the disease in the coming days and weeks. Twenty people are in isolation because of illness. Public health investigators have identified a school and a fast food restaurant with recent public exposures because of the presence of an infectious person. Health officials are still determining how many students need to be quarantined and excluded from class at the school, Lyman Elementary, where state records show 89% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines. The school was involved in a previous exposure situation announced on Nov. 21. The other public exposure event involves a Burger King restaurant at 6196 US-221 in Roebuck, S.C., that occurred on Jan. 28 between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

February 3, 2026 — Fewer infections — but one in Sumter County

Total outbreak cases: 876. New cases: 29.

The state health department announces 29 new cases of measles in the ongoing outbreak in South Carolina’s Upstate region, in and near Spartanburg County. They also said a measles case has been confirmed in a resident of Sumter County — which is located in South Carolina’s Pee Dee Region, southeast from where the outbreak has been occurring. “At this point in the investigation, it is not yet clear whether this new case is linked to the Upstate outbreak centered around Spartanburg County or if the case may have been exposed where measles is occurring in other locations,” the department said. The department said public exposures to measles have occurred during certain specific hours at three locations in Sumter, S.C.: Mariachis Mexican Restaurant at 1072 Broad St. on Jan. 23; Food Lion at 5700 Broad Street Ext. on Jan. 24; and the Walmart Neighborhood Market at 343 Pinewood Rd. on Jan. 25. The health department said there are currently 354 people in quarantine who have been exposed to measles and lack vaccination or immunity; 22 people are ill and in isolation.

February 6, 2026 — Vaccination is up significantly

Total outbreak cases: 920. New cases: 44

State health officials announce 44 new measles cases, plus another 277 people who are in quarantine because they were exposed and are unvaccinated or lack immunity from prior infection; eight people are in isolation because of illness. They also announce new locations of public exposure incidents during certain specific time periods at a Social Security Administration office at 145 N. Church St. in Spartanburg on Jan. 29; Boost Mobile at 1515 Asheville Hwy. in Spartanburg on Jan. 29; Rick Erwin’s Level 10 Restaurant at 225 W. Main St. in Spartanburg on Jan. 29; and the Target store at 6025 Wade Hampton Blvd. in Taylors on Jan. 30.

During a media call earlier in the week, Bell said state health officials are encouraged by increases in measles vaccination during January. In Spartanburg County, the number of measles vaccines given last month was up 162% over January 2025, an increase of more than 1,000 doses, she said. Statewide, measles vaccination was up 72%, with about 7,000 more doses given across South Carolina last month than were administered in January 2025. “So far, this is the best month for measles vaccination during this outbreak,” Bell said.

While complications from measles aren’t reportable to state health officials, Bell said the department has learned of some serious complications among 19 people — children and adults — who have been hospitalized since the outbreak began in October. “Some of these complications include measles encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain in children, and pneumonia.”

In addition, Bell said, several pregnant women were exposed to measles and required administration of immune globulin to protect against the high risk of complications measles poses to pregnant women and their newborns. Bell declined to provide additional details about the exposures of the pregnant women. Earlier in the week, Healthbeat revealed a measles exposure incident had occurred on a labor and delivery unit at Prisma Health Greer Memorial Hospital.

February 10, 2026 — Fewer new cases, but one in Lancaster County

Total outbreak cases: 933. New cases: 13

Just 13 new measles cases are announced in the state health department’s update; 235 people are in quarantine because of exposures, and six are in isolation because of illness. The department noted that a measles infection has been confirmed in a resident of Lancaster County; the source of the person’s exposure is still under investigation. The outbreak has not previously had any cases in Lancaster County, which is in north-central South Carolina. Two schools in Spartanburg County have been the sites of recent public exposures: Libertas Academy, where 74% of students are up-to-date on their school vaccines (nine individuals in quarantine); and Inman Intermediate, 83% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (fewer than five individuals in quarantine). People also remain in quarantine from an earlier public exposure at Lyman Elementary School, where 89% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (23 individuals remain in quarantine).

February 13, 2026 — Concerns linger about undetected cases

Total outbreak cases: 950. New cases: 17

The number of new measles cases announced continues to be well below the numbers during the January surge. The state health department said 17 new cases of measles have been identified and there are another 186 people in quarantine because of exposures; nine people are in isolation because of illness. The recent identification of measles cases in Lancaster and Sumter counties — with no identified source of exposure — indicate that unrecognized transmission of measles is occurring in the community, Bell told reporters this week. “That can result in more and more transmission if we don’t stay on top of those cases, find out where that transmission is occurring, and implement our disease control measures,” Bell said. The outbreak continues to be centered in Spartanburg County, she said, and about 95% of those who have been infected are unvaccinated. The department announced three locations where public exposures have occurred recently during defined time periods: Children’s Medical Center, 841 S. Buncombe Rd. in Greer, all day on Feb. 4 and 6; Itto Ramen Bar, 1807 Poinsett Hwy. in Greenville, on Feb. 5 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and HomeGoods, 1125 Woodruff Rd. in Greenville, on Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

February 17, 2026 — Most new infections involve known cases

Total outbreak cases: 962. New cases: 12.

State health officials announce 12 new cases and said there are an additional 127 people in quarantine because of exposures; eight people are in isolation because of symptoms. “The majority of cases are close contacts of known cases,” the state health department said. “However, the number of public exposure sites indicates that measles is circulating in the community, increasing the risk of exposure and the risk of infection for those who are not immune due to vaccination or natural infection.” The department said it is aware of 20 hospitalizations, involving children and adults, since the start of the outbreak. Libertas Academy has been the site of a recent public exposure event (17 individuals in quarantine). This school, where 74% of students are up-to-date on their school vaccines, has had previous exposure events, state records show. The department also announced a public exposure event occurred at Walmart — Powdersville, 11410 Anderson Rd. in Greenville on Feb. 8 from 4 to 8 p.m.

February 20, 2026 — Church, school, community college exposures

Total outbreak cases: 973. New cases: 11.

Health officials announce the identification of 11 new measles cases, and say there are 105 people in quarantine because of exposure and seven in isolation because of illness. “We are seeing a slowing, but it is too soon for us to say when this will end,” Bell said this week. “The concern is that we can see ongoing, smoldering transmission that can be introduced into other communities. The measles virus can find susceptible people wherever.”

While the number of new cases announced continues to be low, state health officials warn that public exposures have occurred recently at multiple locations in Spartanburg County. The exposure locations include Mabry Middle School in Inman, where 81% of students are up-to-date on vaccines and exposures have occurred previously. Other sites: Tabernacle of Salvation Slavic Church, 150 Outlet Rd. in Spartanburg, on Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Westgate Baptist Church, 1990 Old Reidville Rd. in Spartanburg, on Feb. 11 from 6:30 to 10 p.m .; Spartanburg Community College - Giles Campus, 107 Community College Dr. in Spartanburg, on Feb. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Costco, 211 W. Blackstock Rd., Spartanburg, on Feb. 17 from 12 to 3 p.m.

February 24, 2026 — Just 6 new cases

Total outbreak cases: 979. New cases: 6.

Just six new cases of measles are announced by state health officials, plus 91 others who are in quarantine for exposures; one person is in isolation because of illness. The latest end date for those in quarantine is March 15. The newest cases have resulted in outbreak investigators identifying public exposures at Willow Creek Gathers Homeschool Co-op, where 17 individuals are in quarantine, the state health department said. Although South Carolina requires immediate reporting of cases of measles or suspected measles to the health department, the state doesn’t specifically require reporting about whether these cases were hospitalized or had complications. Over the course of the outbreak, the health department says it has learned about 21 people, children and adults, who have been hospitalized.

February 27, 2026 — Hopes for earlier end to outbreak

Total outbreak cases: 985. New cases: 6.

Since Tuesday, state health officials say they have identified six new measles cases. There are 61 people in quarantine because of exposures; two people are in isolation for illness. The latest end date for people currently in quarantine and who may develop the disease is March 20. “We’re encouraged with the downward trend, particularly in the last two weeks,” Bell, the state epidemiologist, said this week. It’s possible that the outbreak may even end earlier than projected, she said. But the risk of another surge remains because of low vaccination coverage. The department said that based on the recent cases, investigators have identified public exposures that have recently occurred at Sugar Ridge Elementary, where 78% of students are up-to-date on vaccines. Fewer than five individuals from the school are in quarantine, officials said. This is the third round of quarantines for the school, health department records show. Another public exposure incident occurred at Costco - Spartanburg at 211 W. Blackstock Rd. on Feb. 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. It’s the third known measles exposure incident at the store, with the others occurring on Feb. 17 and Nov. 18, according to health department reports. State health officials said their mobile health unit will hold another measles vaccination clinic next week.

March 3, 2026 - Increased vaccination is helping slow outbreak, state says

Total outbreak cases: 990. New cases: 5.

The number of new cases reported to the state health department remains low: Just five new cases since Friday, health officials announced. There are 52 people in quarantine because of exposures and four in isolation because of illness. The latest end date for those in quarantine is March 27. The state health department also said there was a public measles exposure incident at Westgate Baptist Church, 1990 Old Reidville Rd. in Spartanburg, on Feb. 22 from 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. This church also had a measles exposure incident on Feb. 11. “We saw another strong increase in measles vaccination uptake during the month of February, which is encouraging,” Bell said at a media briefing this week. “Compared to February of 2025, there was a 133% increase in measles vaccination in Spartanburg County, with around 900 additional doses given,” she said. Statewide, there was a 70% increase in measles vaccination, with an additional 7,000 doses given. “This increase in vaccination is one of the reasons why this outbreak is slowing,” Bell said. “But given the surge in cases we saw following the Christmas holidays, we remain concerned that another surge could occur following spring break, when many people can be traveling and participating in more social activities.”

March 6, 2026 — Just one new case as outbreak cost reaches $1.6 million

Total outbreak cases: 991. New cases: 1.

Just one new measles case is announced by state health officials in their Friday update. There are 52 people in quarantine because of exposures and three in isolation because of illness. The latest end date for those in quarantine is March 27. Meanwhile, state health officials told Healthbeat this week that the public health response to the outbreak has cost taxpayers $1.6 million so far. Most of that has been personnel costs, including for contact tracing and other activities to combat the outbreak, the department said.

Of the 991 outbreak cases, most have been children and teens: 260 are younger than 5; 637 are ages 5-17; 86 are age 18 or older; and the age is unknown for eight cases. Almost all who have been infected have been unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated: 925 were unvaccinated; 19 had only one one dose of the recommended two-dose MMR vaccine; 26 were fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR; and the vaccination status was unknown for 21 cases.

For the latest outbreak developments, go to the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s measles outbreak webpage.

This story was produced by Healthbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.