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The South Carolina measles outbreak is one of the largest in the United States in decades.

It started with just five known cases in October, but by January exploded to 700.

Along the way, hundreds of additional people – many of them children at schools with low vaccination rates – have had to stay in home quarantine for up to 21 days because they aren’t immunized and have been exposed to contagious people.

South Carolina’s state epidemiologist, Dr. Linda Bell, has said there are likely many more people who aren’t in quarantine, but should be. They are unaware they’ve been exposed during the normal course of their lives: Going to work, school, and church, shopping for groceries, dining in restaurants, and visiting museums.

Measles spreads through the air and can linger in a room for two hours after an infectious person has left. The people who are spreading the disease often don’t know they have it: They are contagious for four days before they develop the virus’ hallmark rash.

A Healthbeat review of the outbreak’s history provides a detailed timeline of how the South Carolina Department of Public Health worked to trace and contain new infections. For a while, the outbreak smoldered with few new cases. Then the holiday season supercharged the spread in January.

The South Carolina outbreak is far from over. It’s on a trajectory to soon be larger than last year’s deadly outbreak in Texas.

Here is how it happened.

October 2, 2025 - South Carolina announces measles outbreak

Total outbreak cases: 5.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health announces it has confirmed a measles outbreak in the Upstate region, the northwest part of the state that includes Spartanburg County. During 2025, the state had only identified three earlier measles cases: two in July and one in early September – and those were linked to exposures during international travel, plus one close contact of a traveler who became infected. “We now have identified five cases in a little more than a week,” Bell said. “This sharp uptick in cases and the unknown source of two of the recent cases indicates unrecognized community spread.”

October 7, 2025 - Two schools have early outbreak cases

Total outbreak cases: 7. New cases: 2.

Two additional cases of measles are identified in Spartanburg County, raising to seven outbreak cases that had been reported since Sept. 25. None have an identified source, state health officials said, “suggesting that measles is circulating in the community.” Two schoolsGlobal Academy of South Carolina, a public charter school where state data show only 21% of students had all their school vaccinations, and Fairforest Elementary, a public school where 82% of students were up-to-date on their school shots – are locations with confirmed measles cases. Health officials identified 153 unvaccinated students at the two schools who were exposed and at risk of measles infection, resulting in their required exclusion from classes until the 21-day period of potential disease transmission was over. The school exclusion periods were over on Oct. 21 for the Global Academy students, and on Oct. 22 for the Fairforest students.

Vaccination coverage of 95% is needed in local communities to stop the spread of measles. Across Spartanburg County, the state health department estimates that just 90% of school-age children are fully vaccinated. Rates at some schools are even lower, state data show.

Global Academy of South Carolina, a public charter school in Spartanburg, S.C., was one of two schools that had some of the earliest confirmed cases of measles linked to the outbreak. (Alison Young / Healthbeat)

October 9, 2025 - A child in Greenville County has measles

Total outbreak cases: 8*. New cases: 1.

State health officials announce another case of measles, a child in Greenville County, which borders the west side of Spartanburg County. While it was not immediately clear whether the child’s illness was related to the Spartanburg County outbreak, health officials eventually included the case in the outbreak count. “What this case tells us is that there is active, unrecognized community transmission of measles occurring in the Upstate, which makes it vital to ensure that the public have received their measles vaccinations,” the state health department said. The department would later identify the Crunch Fitness gym at 1332 S. Pleasantburg Dr. in Greenville as the source of the child’s exposure on Sept. 30.

(*) Total case count includes this Greenville County child, whose measles case was later determined to be an outbreak case on Oct. 21.

October 14, 2025 - School exposures result in more cases

Total outbreak cases: 13*. New cases: 5.

Five new measles infections are confirmed among unvaccinated students who were already in quarantine at home because of previously reported school exposures. The department previously identified exposures at Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary. “Because they were quarantining before they became infectious, no additional exposures occurred with these new cases,” state health officials said. The state health department announces the next day that it will be sending its mobile measles vaccination unit to hold five events at four locations in Spartanburg County – including churches, a community center, and a library.

(*) Total case count includes a Greenville County child whose measles infection was announced on Oct. 9 as being under investigation, and was later determined to be an outbreak case on Oct. 21.

October 17, 2025 - Three cases among contacts in quarantine

Total outbreak cases: 16*. New cases: 3.

Three new cases are identified among close contacts of people with measles who were already in quarantine at home. State health officials said the new cases show how early quarantine after an identified exposure “is highly effective in preventing community spread.”

(*) Total case count includes a Greenville County child whose measles infection was announced on Oct. 9 as being under investigation, and was later determined to be an outbreak case on Oct. 21.

October 21, 2025 - Four new cases in Spartanburg County

Total outbreak cases: 20. New cases 4.

Two new cases are confirmed among close contacts of people already in home quarantine. And two additional measles cases are identified in association with a business in Spartanburg that had “no public exposures,” health officials said. They also announce that the Greenville County child exposed at a gym whose case was announced on Oct. 9 is now being considered an outbreak case “due to ongoing unrecognized community transmission.”

October 24, 2025 - Two more sickened with measles

Total outbreak cases: 22. New cases 2.

Two new measles cases are confirmed in Spartanburg County; both are linked to close contacts of people with measles who had been in quarantine at home, state health officials announced.

October 28, 2025 - Mobile clinics give 24 shots as more fall ill

Total outbreak cases: 30. New cases: 8.

As state health officials announce eight new measles cases in Spartanburg County among close contacts of people already in home quarantine, they continue to send their mobile vaccination clinic to offer free measles shots at more locations. Multiple vaccination events have been offered in the community since Oct. 16, but only 24 vaccines have been administered: 19 to adults and five to children, state health officials said.

October 31, 2025 - State emphasizes isolation, quarantine

Total outbreak cases: 34. New cases: 4.

Four new measles infections were confirmed in Spartanburg County. All were linked to close contacts of previously known cases. “No public exposures have been identified from these cases,” state health officials said. “We continue to rely on isolation and quarantine measures for those who have been exposed and are unvaccinated to prevent the spread of measles in the community to contain this outbreak.” The state health department added that its “additional response” to the outbreak “is to encourage protection with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine for those who are not immune.” With free mobile vaccination clinics ongoing, just 28 doses of MMR vaccine – 23 to adults and five to children – have been administered since the outreach events began on Oct. 16.

November 4, 2025 – No new cases as holiday season looms

Total outbreak cases: 34. New cases: 0.

No new measles cases were identified by health officials since the previous Friday. Yet they cautioned that 34 people were still in quarantine because they were unvaccinated and had been exposed to someone who was contagious. The latest end date for those in quarantine to no longer be at risk of developing measles is Nov. 24. “We are reminding people that travel for the upcoming holidays increases the risk of exposures greatly for those traveling and for those accepting visitors,” the state health department said. “Consider getting vaccinated now to prevent measles from disrupting your holiday plans.”

November 7, 2025 – Another case confirmed, more expected

Total outbreak cases: 35. New cases: 1.

State health officials announce they have identified one new measles case and are still investigating how many people may have been exposed to the virus by this person. “We also expect more cases to come in the days ahead from exposed family members of known previous cases,” the state health department said, noting that there are 31 people in quarantine.

November 10, 2025 – Restaurant mistakenly flagged for exposure

While investigating the ongoing outbreak, state health officials put out a press release saying a person who was infectious with measles was at the Kanpai of Tokyo restaurant at 2300 Winchester Pl. in Spartanburg on Nov. 2 from 3 to 6 p.m.; they urged anyone who believes they were exposed – particularly those without immunity – to contact their health care providers. But a mistake was made, and the health department said it had been given the wrong date: The person actually dined at the restaurant in late October – at a time when they weren’t infectious.

“Our business went down for a good two months. We lost sales, we lost wages,” general manager Nick Nakincheng told Healthbeat. “People thought we closed, and then people were just scared to even come at all.” Business is finally returning, he said in January. But the state health department, while acknowledging the error to the Post and Courier in December, still had not corrected its press release as of Jan. 26. The department declined to answer Healthbeat’s questions about the error or explain why the press release remained posted on its website without correction – even though it had corrected at least one other outbreak press release.

The general manager of Kanpai of Tokyo said the Spartanburg restaurant lost business after the state health department publicly warned in November 2025 that an infectious person had dined there. It later turned out that outbreak investigators were given a wrong date – and the person wasn’t contagious when they were at the restaurant. (Alison Young / Healthbeat)

November 12, 2025 – Eight new measles cases identified

Total outbreak cases: 43. New cases: 8.

Of the eight new measles cases announced by state officials, six were household members of known cases who were in quarantine. But the source of the infection for the other two cases, who were people from the same household, is unclear. “The unidentified source of the two new cases reinforces our concern about potential ongoing community transmission,” the state health department said.

November 14, 2025 – One new measles case

Total outbreak cases: 44. New cases 1.

Just one new measles case has been identified since the state’s last update and the extent of others exposed to the person is still under investigation, state health officials said; 18 people are currently in quarantine because of outbreak exposures.

November 18, 2025 – More cases, more public exposures

Total outbreak cases: 49. New cases: 5.

While two of the five new cases are household members of known measles cases in quarantine, the source of the infection of the other three people is unknown, state health officials said. “The initial investigation of contacts of the new cases has determined potential exposures in public settings. Additional information will be provided once more details are obtained,” the department said, noting that 84 people are in quarantine and that direct contacts and facilities that have been impacted are being notified about the potential exposures.

November 21, 2025 – School, church, airport exposures

Total outbreak cases: 52. New cases: 3.

State health officials announce the confirmation of three new measles cases – and that as a result of contact tracing by health workers, there are now 137 people in quarantine because they are unvaccinated and have been exposed, plus one person in isolation because of infection. Many of these people are from schools in Spartanburg County: 57 are from Lyman Elementary School (where 89% of students were up-to-date on school vaccines); 55 are from Boiling Springs Middle School; and one attends D.R. Hill Middle School (where 88% of students were up-to-date on vaccines). Health officials also warned that an employee at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport who was infected with measles may have exposed airport visitors between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 and 11. They also said an infectious person attended the Way of Truth Church in Inman, S.C., which is in Spartanburg County, from 7 to 11 p.m. on Nov. 7 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 9.

State health officials linked multiple outbreak cases to exposures that occurred at the Way of Truth Church in Inman, S.C., which is in Spartanburg County. (Alison Young / Healthbeat)

November 25, 2025 – Public exposure at county treasurer’s office

Total outbreak cases 55. New cases: 3.

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the state health department announces they have identified three additional measles cases. Two of the people are household members of known cases. The source of the third person’s infection is still being investigated. Meanwhile, the department warns of another public exposure location: An infectious person was at the Spartanburg County Treasurer’s Office on Nov. 17 and 18 during the hours the office was open.

November 28, 2025 – Public exposure event at Costco

Total outbreak cases: 62. New cases: 7.

Of the seven new measles cases announced, six were household members of known cases who were in quarantine, and one was a person exposed in a school setting who also was in quarantine. Total people currently in quarantine: 144; six in isolation. State health officials also warn there was a potential measles exposure event at a Costco store and tire center at 211 W. Blackstock Rd. in Spartanburg on Nov. 18 between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

As the outbreak grew, state health officials warned of infectious people potentially exposing others while shopping at a range of retail stores. One incident occurred at the Costco store and tire center at 211 W. Blackstock Rd. in Spartanburg on Nov. 18, 2025. (Alison Young / Healthbeat)

December 2, 2025 - More school exposures, 14 new cases

Total outbreak cases: 76. New cases: 14.

Eight of the 14 new measles cases announced by state health officials were the result of the previously reported exposure at the Way of Truth Church in Inman. Three of the new cases were exposed in a school setting, and the other three are still under investigation. Based on public health investigations of the new cases, the public was alerted that four Spartanburg County schools were the sites of additional measles exposures, requiring dozens of unvaccinated students to be excluded from school and quarantined. The schools involved: Hendrix Elementary School, where state data show 87% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (40 students in quarantine); Mabry Middle School, where 81% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (13 students in quarantine); Chapman High School, where 87% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (5 students in quarantine); and Tyger River Elementary School, where 89% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (17 students in quarantine).

December 5, 2025 – Measles quarantines hit more schools

Total outbreak cases: 84. New cases: 8.

Eight new measles cases are announced by state health officials, but the number of people in quarantine and at risk of developing measles has jumped to 281. Based on public health investigations of the new cases, the public was alerted to new measles exposures at four additional Spartanburg County schools: Fairforest Elementary School, where 82% of students were up-to-date on their school vaccines (44 students in quarantine); Rainbow Lake Middle School, where 82% of students were up-to-date on vaccines (61 students in quarantine); Fairforest Middle School, where 90% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (fewer than 5 students in quarantine); Dorman Freshman Campus, where 93% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (15 students in quarantine). This is the second round of quarantines at Fairforest Elementary, which was one of the earliest sites of known measles cases in early October.

December 9, 2025 – Earlier church exposure fuels new infections

Total outbreak cases: 111. New cases: 27.

Of the 27 new measles cases announced, 16 resulted from previously reported exposure incidents in November at Way of Truth Church in Inman. Eight of the new infections were among household members of known cases. One infection was from a school exposure, one had an unknown source, and one was from an exposure in a health care setting. State health officials said the new cases have resulted in additional public exposures at Inman Intermediate School, where state data show 83% of students were up-to-date on vaccines (43 students in quarantine). Officials continue to encourage those who may have been exposed to measles to alert their health care provider in advance of going to their office, so that measures can be taken to protect against additional exposures.

December 12, 2025 – More than 300 in quarantine, 15 new cases

Total outbreak cases: 126. New cases: 15.

As state health officials investigate the contacts of 15 new measles cases, they identified two more Spartanburg County schools where public exposures have occurred: Campobello Gramling School, where state data show 80% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (67 students in quarantine), and Boiling Springs Elementary School, where 80% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (16 students in quarantine). Overall, 303 people are in quarantine, many of them students at 11 schools. The large number in quarantine is a potential warning sign of the magnitude of future measles cases because there is a lag time between when people are exposed and when they start feeling sick – typically seven to 10 days, but sometimes as long as 21 days.

Of the 15 new cases, 13 involved exposures within households with known measles cases; one infection involved a neighborhood contact; and the source of one is unknown and under investigation.

Boiling Springs Elementary, a public school operated by Spartanburg County School District Two, is among several schools in South Carolina’s Upstate region that have had multiple rounds of quarantines. (Alison Young / Healthbeat)

December 16, 2025 - Nine new cases, another school exposure

Total outbreak cases: 135. New cases: 9.

Of the nine new measles cases announced, five were the result of a previously reported exposure at Way of Truth Church in Inman. Three cases involved known household exposures and one involved a neighborhood contact. Investigations of the new cases identified an additional Spartanburg County school with public exposures: Berry Shoals Elementary School, where 93% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (44 students in quarantine).

December 19, 2025 – Another school with measles exposures

Total outbreak cases: 144. New cases: 9.

State health officials announce nine new measles cases: Four were infections of household members of known cases; one was from a previously identified school exposure; one was from a previously identified exposure at Way of Truth Church in Inman; and the source of three infections is unknown. Contact investigations for the new cases identified an additional school where measles exposures have occurred: New Prospect Elementary School, where 82% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (56 students in quarantine).

December 23, 2025 – Nine new measles cases identified

Total outbreak cases: 153. New cases: 9.

Of the nine new cases announced, five resulted from household exposures to known cases; two involved a previously known school exposure; the source of one is unknown; and another is still being investigated.

December 26, 2025 – Three new measles cases identified

Total outbreak cases: 156. New cases: 3.

Amid the holiday season, three new measles cases were reported between Tuesday and Friday. All were the result of a previously reported school exposure, state officials said. There are 252 people in quarantine and three in isolation. The latest end date for those in quarantine is Jan. 15.

December 30, 2025 – As cases rise, 3 hospitalized from measles

Total outbreak cases: 176. New cases: 20.

Since Friday, state health officials identified 20 new measles cases and learned of three people – including adults and children – who required hospitalization because of complications from the disease. Citing patient privacy, health officials would not provide additional details about the hospitalized cases. The measles virus can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, risks of premature births for pregnant mothers and it also can weaken a person’s immune system. Of the new cases, seven involved household exposures, five involved a previously known school exposure, two involved a church exposure, and one resulted from an exposure at either school or church, the state health department said.

January 2, 2026 – Nine more measles cases identified

Total outbreak cases: 185. New cases: 9.

Of the nine new cases detected, four were household exposures of known measles cases; one involved a previously reported school exposure; one case is still being investigated; and the source of three cases is unknown. The number of people in quarantine because they lack immunity and have been exposed: 223; three are in isolation for infections.

January 3, 2026 – Exposures at Best Buy, restaurant, library

The state health department announces that a person who did not know they were infectious with measles visited multiple public locations during the previous week. On Dec. 24, they visited the Nose Dive Restaurant, a gastropub at 116 S. Main St. in Greenville, then went to a Best Buy store at 1125 Woodruff Rd. in Greenville. A few days later, on Dec. 27, they attended an afternoon planetarium show about solar superstorms at the Spartanburg County Public Libraries headquarters library in downtown Spartanburg, which in October opened a new planetarium learning center with a 135-seat domed theater. Todd Stephens, the county’s librarian, said a public health official called him the day before the state’s press release went out and let him know someone with measles had been in the library’s theater a week earlier. “We have a response plan on Covid. We don’t have a document like that for this,” Stephens told Healthbeat. “But I can say we applied some of those principles that we’ve learned.” He said he’s not received any calls or concerns from library patrons about the potential exposure and he is not aware of anyone becoming infected.

A person who didn’t know they were infectious with measles attended an afternoon show in the Spartanburg County Libraries 135-seat domed planetarium theater on Dec. 27, 2025 in downtown Spartanburg, according to state health officials. (Alison Young / Healthbeat)

January 6, 2026 – Public exposures at more schools, churches

Total outbreak cases: 211. New cases: 26.

Among the 26 new cases identified by state health officials, 19 involved exposures in households with known cases and at schools with previously announced exposures. Four of the new infections resulted from an exposure at church. One case has an unknown source, and two are still being investigated. Another 144 people without immunity are in quarantine because of exposures. Investigations of recent cases identified multiple locations of public exposures. Nine students are in quarantine at two Spartanburg County schools where these exposures occurred: Sugar Ridge Elementary, where 78% of students are up-to-date on vaccines, and Boiling Springs Elementary, where 80% of students are up-to-date on vaccines. It was the second time during the outbreak that students at Boiling Springs Elementary had to be quarantined; the previous quarantines were in December. Churches where public exposures occurred, health officials said, included: Tabernacle of Salvation Church, Slavic Pentecostal Church of Spartanburg, Ark of Salvation Church, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg.

January 7, 2026 - Health alert sent to providers, facilities

The state department of public health sent out a statewide alert to all health care providers and facilities about the importance of having “heightened awareness” for measles and providing advice on the recommended measures for the use of masks and rapid isolation of people suspected of having measles infections to protect others in health care settings from being exposed.

January 9, 2026 – Measles cases spike with 99 new infections

Total outbreak cases: 310. New cases: 99.

Between Tuesday and Friday this week, state health officials identified 99 new cases of measles. They said another 200 people were in quarantine because of exposures. Dr. Linda Bell, the state epidemiologist, warned it was becoming increasingly difficult to identify likely sources of infection because of the increasing number of public exposure sites. “The number of those in quarantine does not reflect the number actually exposed,” Bell said. “An increasing number of public exposure sites are being identified with likely hundreds more people exposed who are not aware they should be in quarantine if they are not immune to measles.” The department flags one new public exposure site: Jesse S. Bobo Elementary School, where state data show 94% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines.

Jesse S. Bobo Elementary School, a public school in Spartanburg County School District Six, had a measles exposure incident that state health officials announced on Jan. 9, 2026. (Alison Young / Healthbeat)

January 13, 2026 - Surge continues with 124 new measles cases

Total outbreak cases: 434. New cases: 124.

Health officials announce another surge in cases, with 124 new infections identified in recent days. They said another 409 people are in isolation because they were exposed and lacked vaccination or immunity from previous infection; 17 were in isolation. Investigators have learned of more than 30 public locations where infectious people have potentially exposed others to measles in recent days, Bell said. Besides schools, these locations have included churches, restaurants, and many health care settings, she said. But the department is only naming locations where details about exposure dates and times are available to allow the public to take informed actions, she said.

Adding to concerns: Health officials learned that a person who didn’t know they were infectious had visited the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia – the state’s capital city, which is about 95 miles southeast of the outbreak area in Spartanburg County. No measles cases have been identified outside the Upstate region, officials said. “Circulation of the measles virus is increasing in numerous community settings in the Upstate, and the risk of infection to those who are not immune to measles by vaccination or previous disease is increasing,” Bell said. “This includes people who may be traveling to the upstate region. So [the Department of Public Health] strongly encourages those who are not protected to consider getting vaccinated now to protect against unexpected exposures, against illness, and possible complications.”

January 15, 2026 – S.C. residents spark Washington, N.C. cases

The Snohomish County Health Department in Washington state announces that an infectious family from South Carolina who was visiting the area two weeks ago is now connected to three new measles cases among local children. The three cases are considered an outbreak and a sign the virus is spreading in the community, the department said. The South Carolina family members, one adult and two children, were infectious while visiting multiple locations in Everett, Marysville, and Mukilteo – including schools – from Dec. 27, 2025 through Jan. 1, 2026. They also flew through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. “We are hoping to contain it, but unfortunately there have been a number of exposure sites already and there are likely more cases in the community that we do not know about yet,” said Dr. James Lewis, the Snohomish County health officer.

In North Carolina, state health officials announce that the South Carolina outbreak is connected to two cases of measles in unvaccinated siblings Buncombe County, N.C.

January 16, 2026 – Schools hit with repeated quarantines

Total outbreak cases: 558. New cases: 124.

Another 124 new measles cases are announced by state health officials; 531 people are in quarantine; and 85 are in isolation. The outbreak continues to be centered around Spartanburg County, they said.

Based on investigations of the newest cases, health officials said public exposures have occurred at nine schools: Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary, where state data show 80% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (53 students in quarantine); Campobello Gramling School, where 80% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (46 students in quarantine – and the school’s second round of quarantines); Crestview Elementary, where 90% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (22 students in quarantine); Libertas Academy, where 74% of students are up-to-date on their vaccines (15 students in quarantine); Fairforest Elementary, where 82% of students were up-to-date on their school vaccines (14 students in quarantine – and the third round of quarantines at this school); Berry Shoals Elementary, where 93% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (14 students in quarantine – and the school’s second round of quarantines); Oakland Elementary, where 83% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (6 students in quarantine); Mabry Middle School, where 81% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (6 students in quarantine – and the school’s second round of quarantines); and Landrum High School, where 94% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (5 students in quarantine).

Additional public exposures occurred during certain hours at: Walmart at 203 Cedar Springs Rd. in Spartanburg on Jan. 3; Wash Depot at 2177 S. Pine St. in Spartanburg on Jan. 3 and 4; and at Bintime Spartanburg at 445 S. Blackstock Rd. in Spartanburg on Jan. 7.

Fairforest Elementary, a public school in Spartanburg, S.C., was one of two schools that had some of the earliest confirmed cases of measles linked to the outbreak. (Alison Young / Healthbeat)

January 20, 2026 – Exposures at schools, Clemson University

Total outbreak cases: 646. New cases: 88.

“As we continue to watch this daily surge in cases, DPH strongly encourages those who are not protected to take advantage of the opportunity to get protected,” Dr. Linda Bell, the state epidemiologist, says at a press briefing about the outbreak numbers released on Jan. 20.

In recent days, state health officials identified 88 new measles cases. They said 538 people are in quarantine and 33 in isolation. Bell said that since the outbreak began,10 people, including adults and children, have required hospitalization for measles complications.

Through investigations of the latest cases, health officials have identified six additional schools where public exposures have recently occurred: Starr Elementary, where 96% of students are up-to-date on school vaccines (17 students in quarantine); Global Academy of South Carolina, where 21% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (13 students in quarantine – and this school’s second round of quarantines); Boiling Springs High School, where 92% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (11 students in quarantine); Chapman High School, where 87% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (fewer than 5 students in quarantine – this is the school’s second round of quarantines); Boiling Springs Elementary (students in quarantine to be determined – this is the school’s third round of quarantines); Rainbow Lake Middle School, where 82% of students were up-to-date on vaccines (quarantine numbers still being determined – this is the school’s second round of quarantines).

Public exposures have also been identified at Clemson University (where 34 students were in quarantine) and Anderson University (where 50 students were in quarantine). While both universities are in South Carolina’s Upstate region, they are in counties west and southwest of the Spartanburg County area where the outbreak has been centered.

Additional public measles exposures were announced as occurring during certain hours at two grocery stores: a Publix at 2153 E. Main St. in Duncan on Jan. 16; and a Food Lion at 11153 Asheville Hwy. in Inman on Jan. 11 and 12.

January 23, 2026 – Cases reach 700, plus 485 in quarantine

Total outbreak cases: 700. New cases: 54.

The number of known cases in South Carolina’s measles outbreak is approaching the total cases in the huge Texas outbreak last year. When the Texas outbreak was declared over in August 2025, the state health department had confirmed 762 measles cases since late January 2025. Two school-age children died and 99 people required hospitalization. The South Carolina Department of Public Health announces it has identified 54 new measles cases in the Upstate region – raising the total outbreak cases to 700. There are an additional 485 people in quarantine and 10 people are in isolation, the department said. Since the outbreak began, 12 people have required hospitalization.

Case investigations have identified additional public exposures at multiple schools: Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary, where 77% of students are up-to-date on their school vaccines (22 students in quarantine); Cannons Elementary, where 95% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (8 students in quarantine); Abner Creek Middle School, where 89% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (the number of students being quarantined is still being determined); Mayo Elementary, where 89% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (student quarantines still being determined); and Sugar Ridge Elementary, where 78% of students are up-to-date on vaccines (student quarantines still being determined, this is the second round of quarantines at this school).

Additional public exposure locations occurred during certain hours at: Anytime Fitness at 3621 Boiling Springs Rd. in Boiling Springs on Jan. 13; the U.S. Post Office at 504 Pennsylvania Ave. in Greer on Jan. 13; Goodwill at 1333 W. Wade Hampton Blvd. in Greer on Jan. 13; and Aldi at 1560 W. Floyd Baker Blvd. in Gaffney on Jan. 17.

Healthbeat will periodically update this timeline. For the latest outbreak developments, go to the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s measles outbreak webpage.

Alison Young is Healthbeat’s senior national reporter. You can reach her at ayoung@healthbeat.org or through the messaging app Signal at alisonyoungreports.48