POWDERSVILLE, S.C. — Health authorities are warning residents of possible exposure to measles at a local Walmart. The South Carolina Department of Public Health alerted the community about the potential exposure occurring on Sunday, February 8, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the store located on Anderson Road.

Individuals who were present during that time—particularly those not vaccinated or previously infected—are advised to monitor for symptoms until March 1. Symptoms may include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. The health department has also reported a separate potential exposure at Libertas Academy, resulting in 17 individuals being placed in quarantine.

This outbreak has been significant, with recent statistics revealing 12 new measles cases confirmed since Friday, raising the total associated with the Upstate outbreak to 962. As of the latest update, 127 people are in quarantine, while eight are in isolation. Health officials noted that individuals in quarantine can expect this status to last until March 11.

While the department does not report complications from the disease, there have been at least 20 hospitalizations linked to serious health issues from measles, affecting both adults and children. There are additional cases that required medical attention but did not necessitate hospitalization.

Vaccination remains the most effective strategy to prevent measles and curb further spread of the virus. The health authorities emphasized that vaccines are widely available through various primary care providers, pharmacies, and health departments across the state.

In a proactive response to the ongoing outbreak, the department will deploy a Mobile Health Unit to facilitate free vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). This initiative is scheduled for March 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grace Community Church on Magnolia Street in Spartanburg.

For those seeking further information on the measles outbreak, the South Carolina Department of Public Health offers updates on its dedicated website. In addition, a Measles Dashboard is available for those interested in tracking the latest comprehensive data related to the outbreak. Continued awareness and vaccination efforts are vital as the community navigates this public health challenge.