By Dr. Robert "Brad" Mock
Chief Physician Executive
The Upstate of South Carolina is experiencing one of the worst measles outbreaks seen in many years.
Measles is an extremely contagious viral illness, spread through direct contact of infectious droplets or through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to 2 hours during and after an infected person’s presence in an area. Up to 9 out of 10 people exposed to measles through close contact who lack immunity will develop measles.
The best approach to measles is preventative, through vaccination. The measles vaccine was developed in 1963 and has been successful in almost eliminating the disease in the U.S. It is considered very safe after more than 60 years of use. Unfortunately, due to more parents not vaccinating their children, we are seeing an increasing number of cases each year. While the course of the disease is mild for many, the complications can be severe for some and include chronic disability, encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, or even death.
If you received the two-dose recommended vaccination schedule as a child, you have a 97% chance of having immunity to the virus.
Only 25 of the 991 cases in South Carolina were known to be fully vaccinated. Vaccinations are available at our pediatrician offices, some primary care offices, many pharmacies, and the South Carolina Public Health Department.
Your physician is the best source of information on vaccinations. If you would like to be vaccinated, call your physician’s office or use one of the other options mentioned. If you do not have a primary care physician or pediatrician, call 864-512-3748 or visit AnMed.org, and we can help you find one.
If you suspect a case of measles, please call your health care provider before coming to the office to minimize the spread of this extremely infectious disease. We have continued our limited visitation of children at the hospital due to the flu and measles.
The following links to the CDC and the Department of Public Health provide reliable, up‑to‑date information:
