SC had 1 measles case in 2024, now it has 4 in 2025. Where was the latest case?
A case of measles has been confirmed in the Upstate, marking the fourth case in the Palmetto State in 2025.
The SC Department of Public Health said the person was unvaccinated and didn’t have immunity from any previous measles infection. Officials said the person did not have a specific, known exposure to someone with measles.
The infected person has completed isolation to prevent further spread of the virus, SCDPH said.
In 2024, there was one confirmed case of measles in the state, per the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that is spread easily by respiratory droplets from infected people,” state epidemiologist Dr. Linda bell said in a release. “People may not be aware that measles can cause serious complications like inflammation of the brain, permanent neurological problems, or pneumonia, which is the most common cause of death, especially in young children.
“It is crucial that health care providers and the public be aware of the symptoms associated with this disease so swift action can be taken when a case does occur in order to prevent the spread of the virus.”
The Department of Public Health said the initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red eyes and runny nose. Those symptoms are followed by a rash beginning on the face, then spreading to the rest of the body.
A measles vaccine is more than 97% effective in preventing the virus, SCDPH said.
In July, two measles cases were confirmed in South Carolina, and those two cases were known to have had close contact with each other. Earlier in September, a third case was reported in the state, and that person was thought to have been exposed while traveling. The case announced Friday has no known connection to the previous three cases, SCDPH said.
This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 2:12 PM.
