State health officials have confirmed a measles case involving a Sumter County resident as South Carolina continues to battle a large outbreak primarily centered in the Upstate, according to the SC Department of Public Health.
In today's update, the agency reported 29 new measles cases statewide since Friday, bringing the total number of outbreak-related cases to 876. While the majority of cases have been linked to the Upstate region, the confirmation of a case in Sumter County marks a growing concern for residents across the Pee Dee and Midlands areas.
Public health officials said it is not yet clear whether the Sumter County case is connected to the Upstate outbreak centered around Spartanburg County or if the infection resulted from exposure in another location where measles is circulating.
As part of its investigation, DPH identified several Sumter-area businesses where potential public exposures may have occurred. Those locations and exposure windows include:
Mariachis Mexican Restaurant, 1072 Broad St., Sumter, on Jan. 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Food Lion, 5700 Broad St. Ext., Sumter, on Jan. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Walmart Neighborhood Market, 343 Pinewood Road, Sumter, on Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Health officials emphasized there is no known risk of exposure at those locations outside of the listed timeframes.
Individuals who were present at the identified locations, particularly those who are unvaccinated or have not previously contracted measles, are encouraged to monitor for symptoms through Feb. 13, Feb. 14 and Feb. 15, respectively.
Measles symptoms typically develop seven to 12 days after exposure but may appear up to 21 days later. Early symptoms include cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and fever, followed by a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward across the body two to three days later.
DPH officials advise anyone who may have been exposed and develops symptoms such as fever of 101 degrees or higher, cough, runny nose or red eyes — with or without a rash — to contact a health care provider before seeking in-person care. Officials said medical providers may implement precautions such as masking or isolation from waiting areas to reduce the risk of further exposure. Patients may also be instructed to remain home until cleared by a doctor.
Statewide, 354 people are currently in quarantine and 22 individuals are in isolation related to the outbreak, with the most recent quarantine periods expected to extend through Feb. 24.
Data released by DPH shows the outbreak has primarily affected children and teenagers. Of the 876 confirmed cases, 233 involve children under age 5, while 555 involve individuals ages 5 to 17. Seventy-one cases have been confirmed among adults, with 17 cases still classified as unknown age.
Vaccination status data indicates the outbreak is largely affecting unvaccinated populations. Officials reported 800 cases involve individuals who were unvaccinated, while 16 people had received one dose of the recommended two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Twenty-two cases occurred in fully vaccinated individuals, and vaccination status remains unknown for 38 cases.
Health officials continue to emphasize vaccination as the most effective way to prevent measles and limit further spread. MMR vaccines are widely available through primary care providers, pharmacies and local health departments across South Carolina.
In response to the outbreak, DPH announced plans to deploy its Mobile Health Unit to offer free MMR vaccinations on Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Spartanburg.
DPH officials said they will continue monitoring cases statewide and provide updates as the investigation continues.
