Jason Grimes
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — The S.C. Department of Public Health says the measles outbreak that caused nearly 1,000 cases in the upstate is officially over, after no new cases were reported in the area for 42 days.

The outbreak of the highly contagious airborne virus, causing 997 infections in mostly Spartanburg County, was the largest measles outbreak since 1991.

The outbreak, which began Oct. 2 last year, officially ended April 26. No cases have been reported on the Winthrop University campus or in York County.

“I wish to humbly and profoundly thank the many South Carolinians whose hard work prevented this outbreak from becoming far larger and more serious than it could have become. I am very thankful for their efforts and support during this challenging time,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim director of the S.C. Department of Public Health, in a press release.

“The outbreak was predominantly contained to one area of one county and never went statewide, thanks to timely investigations, identification of those exposed, and people’s willingness to stay home. In many ways, this was a textbook response to dealing with an outbreak,” Simmer said.

However, two new cases of the measles have been reported in Saluda County near Columbia.

The first was reported April 17 and second May 4, but it’s not considered an outbreak, which would require three or more related cases. They’re also not related to the original, historic outbreak.

There are a growing number of measles cases nationwide, with South Carolina topping the list, but other states like Texas (986), Utah (625), Arizona (302) and Florida (156) have each had more than 100 reported cases since the start of 2025.

Last year, there were 2,288 confirmed cases of the measles in the U.S., which is the most since 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

So far this year, there have been more than 1,800 confirmed cases, meaning the U.S. is on pace to have even more infections this year.

Officials say the measles is typically prevented by vaccines.

“Getting the vaccination is your best line of defense to prevent getting the measles. The biggest thing right now is just getting more and more people vaccinated,” said Reagan Pilcher, a pharmacist with Good Pharmacy in Rock Hill.

She says there are a number of symptoms that are associated with the measles.

“Your biggest thing right now is going to be like fever, cough. So typically, within two to three days, once they start seeing symptoms, you’re going to see like these little white pouches around the mouth. After about five days, you may start seeing the rash,” Pilcher said.

Natali Cabrera, a nurse manager with Winthrop Health Services, said anyone with questions about the measles should seek the help of a medical professional.

“I would recommend anybody that’s hesitant or unsure, to speak with a health care provider. So, if they’re a student here, definitely come speak to us in university Health Services. They could also speak to someone at their local health department or primary care provider office,” Cabrera said.

According to the CDC, one dose of the MMR vaccine offers 93% protection against measles and having two doses increases protection to approximately 97%.

* Joseph Kasko contributed to this report.