Measles Case Confirmed at Clemson University

Clemson University has reported a confirmed case of measles within its community.

In a statement released on Saturday, university officials shared that the South Carolina Department of Public Health had notified them about an individual associated with the university who tested positive for measles.

This individual has been isolated according to health department protocols, and officials are conducting contact tracing for those who might have been in close proximity.

The statement further revealed that nearly 98% of students on the main campus have shown proof of immunity according to the latest data from Clemson’s Student Health Services.

It’s worth noting, a person infected with measles can spread the virus four days before and four days after a rash appears. Isolation for anyone actively infectious continues until four days post-rash onset, with the health department determining the specific isolation timeframe.

As per health guidelines, quarantine is designated for those exposed without documented immunity and lasts 21 days after the last exposure. However, individuals without immunity who receive a dose of the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of their last exposure are exempt from quarantine.

This announcement from the university comes amid a significant increase in measles cases across South Carolina. As of January 16, health officials noted a nearly 30% rise in cases.

The South Carolina health department recorded 124 new cases since the previous Tuesday, bringing the total to 558 due to an outbreak primarily affecting Spartanburg County.

Following the holiday season, South Carolina is experiencing the most severe measles outbreak in the nation. Additionally, this year has seen cases reported in several states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, and Virginia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.