Measles Information & Resources
The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a new case of measles, or rubeola, in Beaufort County on June 11, 2026.
This page will be regularly updated with information and resources, including steps to take if you are concerned you may have measles.
What is Measles?
Measles, or rubeola, is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through coughing, sneezing or close contact with someone who is infected. Even brief exposure can lead to infection, especially among those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.
It can cause serious health complications in all age groups, but some individuals are at higher risk of experiencing severe complications, including:
- Children younger than 5 years of age
- Adults older than 20 years of age
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
Symptoms
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever up to 105°F
- Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
- Rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward
- Fatigue or irritability
If you or your If you or your child develop these symptoms, especially after a known exposure, it’s important to seek medical care right away.
Exposure Precautions and Testing
If you are experiencing symptoms of measles, such as a rash, high fever and tiny white spots in the mouth, you can visit a Beaufort Memorial Express Care clinic or see a provider through the BMH Care Anywhere app. Testing for measles will be determined based on a medical evaluation.
To protect other patients and our staff, please stay in your vehicle upon arrival to an Express Care location and call to let staff know you have arrived.
- Port Royal/Beaufort: 843-524-3344
- Okatie: 843-706-8840
- Bluffton: 843-706-2185
During your visit, a provider will:
- Evaluate your symptoms and determine if testing is needed
- Provide guidance on a care plan
- Discuss vaccination options, including a MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) booster
Find Care Near You
Clinic +1 more
Beaufort Memorial Express Care and Occupational Health
1680 Ribaut Road - Port Royal, SC 29935
Clinic +1 more
Beaufort Memorial Express Care and Occupational Health - Okatie
122 Okatie Center Blvd. North Suite 100 - Okatie, SC 29909
Clinic +2 more
Beaufort Memorial Express Care and Occupational Health - Bluffton
1 Burnt Church Road Suite A - Bluffton, SC 29910
Hospital
Beaufort Memorial Pratt Emergency Center
955 Ribaut Road - Beaufort, SC 29902
Vaccination Information
Most people are protected against measles if they:
- Received two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine
- Have had measles
- Were born before 1957
If you are unsure of your vaccination status, call the South Carolina Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432.
For questions about vaccination status, measles exposure or symptoms, contact the South Carolina Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You may need an measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) booster if:
- You were born in or after 1957
- You have never had measles
- You have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine
- A blood test shows you are not protected against measles
If you have recently been exposed to measles, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. In some cases, receiving an MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure may help prevent illness.
A measles immunity blood test, or measles antibody lgG titer test, may be recommended if:
- You were born after 1957
- You are unsure whether you are protected against measles
- You have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine
- You work in healthcare or another setting where proof of immunity may be required
- You have a weakened immune system and your vaccination history is uncertain
Talk with your healthcare provider to determine whether testing is appropriate for you.
Some people may be eligible for immunoglobulin treatment after a measles exposure, including infants younger than 12 months old.
You may qualify if you have been exposed to measles within the past six days and:
- Have a severely weakened immune system
- Are pregnant and not protected against measles
Contact your healthcare provider or the South Carolina Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for guidance.
Additional Resources
South Carolina Department of Public Health
The South Carolina Department of Public Health Care Line is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 1-855-472-3432 with questions about measles exposure, symptoms or vaccination status.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Measles can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk for complications, including:
- Infants under 12 months who are too young for vaccination
- Unvaccinated children and adults
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
Symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the measles virus. Common symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Small white spots, called Koplik spots, which may develop on the inside of your cheeks within the first 2-3 days.
- A rash that appears 3-5 days after the above symptoms. It usually starts on your face and may spread down to your torso, arms and legs. The rash will fade in the same order it appeared.
If you are diagnosed with measles, you should stay home and away from others for four days after developing a rash. The virus is highly contagious and spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. Your healthcare provider may recommend the following during isolation to ease your symptoms:
- Rest as much as possible.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of clear fluids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
- Manage fever and discomfort with over-the-counter pain and fever relievers, using as directed on the package.
- Use a cool-mist humidifier if cough or congestion is bothersome.
- Don't forget to eat. Even if your appetite is reduced, try to eat small, nutritious meals.
If you or a family member are experiencing any of the following symptoms, call 911 or visit our emergency room at 955 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29902.
- Difficulty breathing
- A persistent high fever
- Signs of dehydration or confusion
Please call ahead so emergency room staff can prepare to limit the risk of exposure to others: Pratt Emergency Center, 843-522-5101
If you are infected, you can spread measles to others from 4 days before through 4 days after a rash appears. A healthcare provider will confirm the exact date you can end isolation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you:
- Stay home if you have measles.
- Isolate in a separate room from other household members if possible and keep doors closed.
- Wear a well-fitted mask if you have to be around others.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Anyone in your household who is not immune to measles (unvaccinated or unsure of vaccination status) should contact their doctor right away. There are treatments that can help prevent them from getting sick if given quickly.
While most people recover without problems, adults over age 20 are at higher risk for complications. Call your provider or go to the emergency room if you develop any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- High fever (above 104°F / 40°C) that does not respond to medication
- Severe headache, confusion or difficulty staying awake
- Ear pain or drainage from the ear
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Symptoms that seem to be getting worse instead of better after 4–5 days
- Any new or concerning symptoms
If you seek medical attention, please call ahead so clinic or emergency room staff can prepare to limit the risk of exposure for others.
- Get vaccinated. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is safe and highly effective. Two doses provide about 97% protection.
- Know the symptoms. Early recognition helps prevent the spread of the disease.
- Use BMH Care Anywhere to see a provider from home. If you think that you have been exposed and have symptoms of measles, you can see a board-certified provider through BMH Care Anywhere in minutes using your smartphone, tablet or computer.
- Stay informed. Follow the South Carolina Department of Public Health website for the latest alerts and exposure locations.
After a measles infection, your immune system may be weakened for several weeks to months, making you more susceptible to other infections. Continue to eat well, rest and practice good hygiene.
The measles virus generates a strong immune response and should prevent you from getting measles in the future. Talk to your healthcare provider about options for vaccination or a booster.