South Carolina

Upstate SC measles outbreak likely spread to North Carolina child, officials say

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 North Carolina child may have contracted measles while visiting Spartanburg County before Christmas, according to health officials.

The unvaccinated child from Polk County visited Spartanburg County, including places linked to the Upstate measles outbreak, the North Carolina Department of Health wrote in a press release Wednesday. The child was presumed positive for measles, and he recovered, according to the release.

The child had the second measles case in North Carolina in 2025. In South Carolina, there have been 188 measles cases since July, with a vast majority located in Spartanburg County, according to a release from the South Carolina Department of Health.

Nine new cases of measles were reported in South Carolina since Tuesday, according to the release. A majority of the total individuals with measles have been children, and over 91% were unvaccinated.

223 people are currently in quarantine in South Carolina, and three are in isolation.

Measles is highly contagious, and symptoms tend to develop 7 to 12 days after exposure, according to state public health officials. Initial symptoms include cough, red eyes, fever and a runny nose. A rash follows two or three days after initial symptoms.

South Carolinians are recommended to immediately call their doctor if they have symptoms after being exposed to measles.

LV
Lucy Valeski
The State
Lucy Valeski is a politics and statehouse reporter at The State. She recently graduated from the University of Missouri, where she studied journalism and political science. 
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