COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – South Carolina health officials are warning the public about a possible measles exposure in Columbia after a person who later tested positive for the virus visited the South Carolina State Museum earlier this month.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health said the individual was at the museum Jan. 2 between 1 and 5 p.m. Museum officials said they do not know how many people were inside during that specific time, but nearly 1,000 people visited the museum that day.
DPH says the case is linked to a rapidly growing outbreak in the Upstate, where 124 new cases were reported since Friday, bringing the statewide total to 434.
State epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said the majority of cases are among people who are not vaccinated.
“It is disappointing to have these excellent tools that are available to us through vaccination, through disease control measures that people are not fully taking advantage of,” Bell said. “These now, hundreds of cases — a majority of them could have been prevented.”
Health officials say anyone who was at the museum during the exposure window should monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes or a rash. People who feel sick are urged to call their health care provider before going in to avoid exposing others.
Parents across the Midlands say the outbreak has them rethinking vaccination timelines.
“We haven’t gotten the measles vaccination. We actually scheduled an appointment in four weeks to come back and get that,” said Columbia parent Ariel Walker. “I don’t know. I’m a little worried.”
Local pediatrician Dr. Deborah Greenhouse said she is seeing increased demand from families asking to get the measles vaccine earlier than planned.
“This is the only way that we try to put a cap on this outbreak,” Greenhouse said. “I’m discussing this with every family that I see. Most of my families are coming in here today saying, ‘Can I get the vaccine early?’ They want their vaccines yesterday.”
According to DPH, 98% of reported measles cases are in people who are not vaccinated. While breakthrough cases have occurred, officials say the MMR vaccine is highly effective and provides lifelong protection for about 97% of people who complete the two-dose series.
DPH is also hosting a free mobile vaccine clinic offering MMR and flu shots at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Spartanburg from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Thursday.
Health officials remind residents that even vaccinated people who develop symptoms after a known exposure should contact their doctor right away.
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