What are the symptoms?

The initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough and runny nose. In about 2-4 days, these symptoms are followed by a rash that usually lasts 5-6 days. Severe complications can occur with measles, including pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even death.

Complications caused by the virus can occur in as many as 3 out of 10 cases. Complications are most often seen in children under 5 years of age, adults over the age of 20, pregnant women, and individuals with a weakened immune system.

Key Information for Return to School:

Isolation Period: The infected individual must remain in isolation for at least 4 full days after the rash first appears (day of rash onset is day 0). The rash may still be visible when they return to school on day 5.

Proof of Clearance: A medical note indicating the student is cleared to return is necessary to prevent further school-wide exposure.

Immune Contacts: Students/Staff exposed to measles who are fully vaccinated (2 doses of MMR) or have laboratory-confirmed immunity do not need to stay home and can return/remain in school.

Unvaccinated/Non-Immune Contacts: Students/Staff without proof of immunity are generally excluded from school for 21 days after the last known case's rash onset, unless they receive the vaccine within 72 hours of exposure. 

What can be done to stop the spread of measles?

The measles vaccine (MMR and MMRV) is the best way to protect yourself and others against measles. About 93% of people vaccinated with one dose have permanent protection and about 97% get protection after two doses of measles vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for all infants at 12 months of age. A second dose is recommended between 4 to 6 years of age. Current measles vaccination is also a requirement to attend childcare or school in South Carolina unless there is a valid exemption.

DPH recommends that people speak with their health care provider to make sure they are up to date with recommended vaccines.

What actions does DPH take when a case of measles is confirmed?

DPH initiates an investigation for every suspect measles case reported and works closely with cases, providers and involved facilities. To reduce the risk of them developing measles and to prevent spread, DPH provides education, identifies close contacts and offers MMR vaccines to those who are not protected. If a contact that is not immune to measles doesn’t wish to be vaccinated, DPH will educate them about how measles is spread, and possible symptoms they should monitor over the next 21 days. DPH informs unprotected close contacts to stay home and away from others during those 21 days, advising them that they are contagious even before they become sick and can unknowingly spread measles to others.