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Measles appears in Columbia for 1st time since outbreak began, SC officials say. Here’s where, when

By Lyn Riddle
This illustration provided a 3D graphic representation of a spherical-shaped, measles virus particle, that was studded with glycoprotein tubercles. Those tubercular studs colorized maroon, are known as H-proteins (hemagglutinin), while those colorized gray, represented what are referred to as F-proteins (fusion). The F-protein is responsible for fusion of the virus and host cell membranes, viral penetration, and hemolysis. The H-protein is responsible for the binding of virions to cells. Both types of proteinaceous studs are embedded in the particle envelope’s lipid bilayer.
This illustration provided a 3D graphic representation of a spherical-shaped, measles virus particle, that was studded with glycoprotein tubercles. Those tubercular studs colorized maroon, are known as H-proteins (hemagglutinin), while those colorized gray, represented what are referred to as F-proteins (fusion). The F-protein is responsible for fusion of the virus and host cell membranes, viral penetration, and hemolysis. The H-protein is responsible for the binding of virions to cells. Both types of proteinaceous studs are embedded in the particle envelope’s lipid bilayer. CDC/ Allison M. Maiuri, MPH, CHES

A person infected with measles was at the South Carolina State Museum on Jan. 2, the South Carolina Department of Public Health reported on Tuesday.

The department is warning people to be aware they could have been exposed if they were at the museum between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m on that date. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through touch and the air.

This is the first report of possible spread outside the Upstate since the measles outbreak started last fall.

The person did not know they were infectious., DPH said.

In all there have been 434 people diagnosed with measles, 124 of them since Friday, DPH said in a news release.

In all, 409 people in Spartanburg County are in quarantine and 17 in isolation.

“The incubation period for measles is usually 7 to 14 days but can be up to 21 days. Therefore, people exposed at this location who are not immune could begin developing early symptoms of measles now,” DPH said.

If you were at the State Museum on that afternoon, you should contact a health care provider if you develop symptoms, or if you do not have immunity to measles.

“People who were exposed, especially those without immunity through vaccination or previous disease, should monitor for symptoms through Jan. 23,” DPH said.

This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 2:10 PM.

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