As measles cases continue to rise in South Carolina, Prisma Health has implemented additional protective measures across its hospitals, effective February 5, to help safeguard patients, visitors and staff.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), South Carolina currently has the nation’s largest measles outbreak.
New Safety Protocols
Prisma Health’s enhanced measures are designed to reduce transmission risk and maintain safe care environments:
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Mandatory masking in emergency departments: All adult patients and visitors must wear masks until evaluated. Parents will be asked to mask children ages 2 and older.
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Masking in labor and delivery areas: Everyone entering labor and delivery units, OB triage and other birthing-related areas must wear a mask until evaluated. Any patient or care partner with fever, rash or respiratory symptoms will be asked to continue masking.
“These steps help protect vulnerable patients, visitors and team members,” said Dr. Johnathon Elkes, Prisma Health emergency medicine physician. “Measles isn’t just spots — it can cause serious long-term complications, especially for critically ill patients and those, like cancer patients, who are unable to be vaccinated.”
Dr. Kendreia Dickens-Carr, OB-GYN, added, “Pregnant patients face higher risks from measles, which is why early prevention and knowing your immunity status are so important.”
Measles Transmission and Outbreak Details
Measles is highly contagious: individuals can spread the virus for four days before a rash appears, and airborne particles can linger in the air for up to two hours, placing unprotected people at high risk of infection.
According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC):
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The outbreak remains primarily centered in Spartanburg County, though additional areas across the state have reported cases or possible exposures.
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At least 19 people, including adults and children, have required hospitalization for measles complications since the outbreak began.
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Although the Midlands previously had no reported exposures, SC DHEC has recently confirmed an active case in the Midlands.
Vaccination Recommendations
Prisma Health physicians are emphasizing the importance of measles immunity and offering guidance on vaccination, especially for young children:
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Infants 6–11 months: One dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended before international travel or in outbreak areas.
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Accelerated second dose: The second MMR dose can be given earlier than age 4 if at least 28 days have passed since the first dose.
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Parents are encouraged to consult their pediatrician to determine the optimal timing for vaccinations.
“Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated against measles should talk with their doctor about the MMR vaccine to protect themselves and others,” said Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch, pediatric infectious disease specialist.
Dr. Robin Lacroix, pediatric infectious disease physician, added, “Our pediatricians believe early vaccination can help protect more children and slow the growth of this outbreak.”
For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.