By Statehouse Report Staff
HE
If you or your children haven’t ever had a vaccination for preventable diseases like measles, it’s time to consider it, state officials say.
On Wednesday, the S.C. Department of Public Health confirmed the state’s first case of measles since September 2024. Also this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the nation has its highest number of measles cases in 33 years.
“Measles is highly contagious and a serious disease caused by a virus that affects the respiratory tract. This virus spreads quickly, which is why we must act now to prevent its spread,” said Dr. Linda Bell, the state epidemiologist.
According to health officials, an Upstate resident reportedly was exposed to measles during an international trip. The person is currently isolated at home to prevent the spread of the virus. The person was unvaccinated and did not have immunity from a previous measles infection.
Having measles can lead to hospitalization and even death, officials said. Initial symptoms include fever, cough and a runny nose, followed by a rash which usually lasts five or six days. The best
way to avoid infection is to get vaccinated, the agency said. The measles vaccine is more than 9 7 % effective.
Officials described measles as being eliminated more than 25 years ago. But these days as anti-vaccination advocates have rallied against vaccinations for preventable diseases, vaccination numbers are down and measles cases are rising, particularly in Texas.
“It is proven that the best way to prevent measles is by vaccination,” Bell said. “I strongly encourage everyone to review their immunization records to make sure they are up to date on all vaccinations and to talk with their health care provider about the benefits and risks of getting vaccinated.”
According to the CDC, “every vaccine helps the body’s immune system learn how to fight germs. It typically takes a few weeks for protection to develop after vaccination, but that protection can last a lifetime,” other than for seasonal vaccines for flu or Covid-19, which may require annual boosters.
“It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat one after it occurs,” the agency said. “Vaccination is a safe, highly effective, and easy way to help keep your family healthy.”