2 colleges confirm measles on campus as cases surge in South Carolina
Two South Carolina universities have documented cases of the measles on campus, as the outbreak continues to spread.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health informed Clemson University officials that an individual affiliated with the school was confirmed to have a case of the measles.
The person has isolated, as is required. The Department of Public Health is conducting contact tracing with people who may have been exposed and is outlining isolation and quarantine protocols.
Nearly 98% of Clemson students have provided proof of immunity, according to data from the university’s student health services.
“The health, safety and well-being of Clemson’s campus community remains our highest priority,” officials wrote in a news release.
Students, faculty and staff were provided guidance on measles preparedness.
Anderson University, a Christian institution in the Upstate, has also confirmed that a student there was diagnosed with the illness, local news reported.
The student was diagnosed and could have exposed others, officials said, and is no longer on campus.
Anderson university officials ask that anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to stay home.
The University of South Carolina has seen no cases of the virus. However, the school is preparing community members if a case occurs on campus.
Measles cases surge in South Carolina
Measles continues to spread in South Carolina, after an outbreak began in the Upstate several months ago. Another 124 cases were reported Friday, bringing the total to 558 cases.
“We have, right now, the biggest outbreak of measles in the U.S., and it’s going to be worse before it gets better,” Helmut Albrecht, a Prisma Health infectious disease physician, said at a press conference Friday.
The highly-contagious virus is characterized by fever, cold-like symptoms and a red rash appearing on the face and body. Those infected can get others sick four days before and four days after the rash begins.
