In a follow-up to the report of a measles case in Spartanburg County, SC earlier this week, The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reports as part of their contact investigation, two additional cases have been identified.

Image/Jim Goodson, M.P.H.
Image/Jim Goodson, M.P.H.

All three cases are children who are unvaccinated, not of school age and do not attend daycare.

The individuals were seen at two urgent care facilities–the AFC Urgent Care at 1667 E. Main St. Duncan, SC on Sunday, Oct. 14 between 9 a.m. and noon or MEDcare Urgent Care at 301 E. Wood St. Spartanburg, SC on Saturday, Oct. 27 between 4 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. The Spartanburg County Health Department is asking you contact them if you visited these facilities during these dates/times.

Measles is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. The initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, and runny nose. These symptoms are followed by a rash. The rash usually lasts five or six days.

“The measles virus is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes,” said Dr. Linda Bell, DHEC’s state epidemiologist. “The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. I strongly encourage everyone to review their immunization records and make sure they are up-to-date on all vaccinations.”

Spartanburg residents can receive free MMR vaccines by appointment until Nov. 7 at the Spartanburg County Health Department, located at 151 E. Wood St, Spartanburg, SC 29305.  Call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment.

Children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine: the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at 4 to 6 years of age. Children 6 to 12 months should get an early dose of MMR vaccine if they are traveling to a country where measles is common. For all ages, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are going to be traveling to another country.