SPARTANBURG, SC (WSPA) – A case of measles has been confirmed in Spartanburg Co., according to SC Dept. of Environmental and Health Control (DHEC).
DHEC says the person had recently traveled outside the U.S. and they are in the process of notifying people who may have been exposed in specific settings.
They have also alerted health care providers and have asked them to immediately report suspected cases to regional public health offices.
“Measles is a highly contagious acute viral respiratory illness,” said Dr. Linda Bell, DHEC’s state epidemiologist. “It is crucial that healthcare providers and the public be aware of the symptoms associated with this disease. It is proven that the best way to prevent measles is by vaccination. I strongly encourage everyone to review their immunization records and make sure they are up-to-date on all vaccinations.”
DHEC says measles virus is highly contagious and spreads through the air due to coughing and sneezing. It is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death, according to DHEC.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and a rash that usually lasts five or six days.
DHEC says the best way to prevent the disease is vaccination.
They recommend two doses of MMR vaccine for child.