A measles outbreak is spreading on the campus of Clemson University in South Carolina
NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
A measles outbreak in South Carolina has spread to Clemson University.
The Department of Public Health has notified Clemson staff of a “personal contact with measles” in a university-affiliated person, according to a school report published Saturday.
“This person is self-isolating, per DPH requirements, and DPH is tracking contact with people who may have been exposed and explaining isolation and quarantine policies,” the school said.
MEASLES CASES CONFIRMED AT FOUR MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS AMID HOLIDAY TRAVEL
People suspected of having the virus will be contacted by email about isolation.
Officials are reporting 558 cases of measles centered in Spartanburg County in the current outbreak.
The Department of Public Health has notified Clemson staff of a confirmed case of measles in a person affiliated with the university. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Other conditions are travel-related exposure or close contact with known conditions, according to DPH.
Some cases have not yet been identified, indicating that measles is spreading in the community and may spread.
LARGEST SECONDARY OUTBREAK OFFICIALLY OVER, HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY
“In the last seven to nine days, we’ve had over 200 new cases. That’s double the last week,” said Dr. Johnathon Elkes, an emergency physician at Prisma Health in Greenville, South Carolina, during a press conference on Friday.
“We feel like we’re really looking over the edge, knowing that this is about to get worse.”
About 98% of students on Clemson’s main campus have provided evidence of immunity, according to recent data from Student Health Services. (Mike Comer/Getty Images)
About 98% of students on Clemson’s main campus have provided evidence of immunity, according to recent data from Student Health Services.
“The health, safety and well-being of the Clemson campus community is our highest priority,” the school noted.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLES
Measles is highly contagious, according to the Center for Disease Control. If one person has it, up to nine out of ten people will become infected if they are not protected.
“We feel like we’re really looking over the edge, knowing that this is about to get worse.”
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH PAPER
A person infected with measles is contagious for four days before and after the rash starts. Isolation of an active infectious case lasts until four full days have passed after the onset of the rash.
The days of isolation are determined by the DPH, according to the university’s press release.
If a person without a written vaccination receives a dose of the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of the last exposure, they should not be quarantined, officials said. (Stock)
Measles quarantine is reserved for exposed individuals without documented immunization, and lasts 21 days after the last exposure, according to DPH guidelines.
If a person without documented immunity receives a dose of the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of the last exposure, they do not need to be quarantined.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
The university also says it has issued guidelines to students, faculty and staff on measles preparedness.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
More information is available on the Student Health Services website and the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s measles updates.
