South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) officials recently shared information about the ongoing measles outbreak in Upstate South Carolina that is centered primarily in Spartanburg County.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory viral illness that causes high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed within several days later by a characteristic rash. In some cases, it can cause severe disease and even be life-threatening. Measles poses a significant threat to public health, and each case is taken seriously and investigated. It is important to take steps to protect yourself and the community. The MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine remains the best available protective measure.
If there is a case of measles connected with a Clemson University campus, DPH will require proof of immunity from individuals who have been exposed in order to avoid quarantine lasting 21 days after last exposure. Now is a good time to verify with your healthcare provider that you are immune and your vaccination records are available and updated. Please take the time to read the University’s measles update for more information and frequently asked questions.
Documentation of immunity includes:
- Date of birth before 1957
- Documented MMR vaccination (refer to DPH measles vaccine guidance for more detailed recommendations)
- Students – two required doses
- Faculty and staff – at least one required dose
- Previous laboratory documentation of infection (such as a positive PCR test result)
- Laboratory proof of immunity (positive blood IgG antibody test or titer)
*If you do not have copies of your vaccination records or are unsure if you previously were infected, it is safe to receive an additional dose of MMR vaccine and is often easier and cheaper than having a blood antibody test performed. The MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women or immunocompromised people, and consultation with your healthcare provider is recommended for certain other groups of people.
A person infected with measles is contagious beginning four days prior to rash onset, through four days after the rash appears. Isolation of an actively infectious case lasts until four full days have passed after the onset of the rash, and dates of isolation are determined by DPH. Quarantine for measles is reserved for exposed individuals without documented immunity and lasts for 21 days after last exposure per DPH guidelines. If a person without documented immunity receives a dose of MMR vaccine within 72 hours after exposure, they do not have to quarantine.
STUDENTS
All students enrolled at Clemson, with the exception of those enrolled in online courses only, are required to show proof of two MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccines unless approved for an exemption (e.g. medical or religious reasons). However, students who do not have demonstrated immunity, including those with medical or religious exemptions, must quarantine for 21 days if directed to do so by DPH following exposure to a contagious person. Students who previously filed an exemption may choose to be vaccinated if desired.
Individuals who have not yet submitted proof of immunity can review the University’s immunization requirements on the Student Health Services website. Resources are available at Redfern Health Center on main campus or at DPH health departments and/or community pharmacies across the state. More information is available on the Student Health Services immunization home page.
FACULTY AND STAFF
Faculty and staff are not currently required to show proof of immunity outside of a few, select departments. If an employee is exposed and unable to produce proof of immunity, they must quarantine for 21 days as directed by DPH. Please note immunizations are widely available in the community.
