Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious illness and disrupt campus life. Even a single case is considered a public health priority. The measles vaccine (MMR and MMRV) is the best way to protect yourself and others against measles.

Measles is airborne and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. It spreads much more easily than COVID-19, especially in shared spaces like classrooms and residence halls.

Initial symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). After 2–4 days, a rash of flat, red spots that may create a lacy appearance develops and usually lasts 5–6 days, spreading from the head down the body to the lower extremities. Severe complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.

Students must provide proof of two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine after age one, or a blood test showing immunity. Exceptions are made for documented medical or religious reasons.

Immunizations given in South Carolina since 2017 are required to be entered into the state registry (SIMON). Ones given before then are only included in SIMON if a provider entered the historical records. If you do not have an immunization record, you can check the public portal for SIMON (below) or other states’ registries if vaccines were given there, or contact the provider who administered your vaccines.

• For South Carolina records: Access the Statewide Immunization Online Network (SIMON).
• For records from other states: Contact the https://www.cdc.gov/iis/contacts-locate-records/index.html.
• Employees can also upload records to MyHealthSpace for secure storage and quick access.

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, receiving another MMR vaccine is safe even if you have already received the two-shot sequence or had natural infection. Pregnant women and immunocompromised people should not receive the MMR vaccine.

To be considered immune from the measles, you must have received one or more doses of the MMR vaccine, after the age of one, or had a blood test showing the presence of antibodies to the virus.

• Individuals born before 1957 when measles were widespread are assumed to be immune.
• Individuals born in the years 1957 to 1989 may not have been fully vaccinated against measles, may have received a less effective vaccine type, or may not have written documentation. Unless a person born during these years has documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine, DPH recommends receiving an MMR vaccine or a laboratory test confirming immunity.
• Students must have received two doses of MMR to be considered fully vaccinated.

Isolation and quarantine are both public health practices used to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, but they apply to different circumstances based on the person's health status and potential exposure.

• Isolation is for people who are confirmed to be sick with a contagious illness (or have tested positive, even without symptoms) to separate them from healthy people. The goal is to prevent a known infected person from transmitting the disease to others.
• Quarantine is for people who may have been exposed to a contagious illness but are not currently showing symptoms. The purpose is to restrict their movement to see if they become sick, thus preventing potential "silent" spread of the disease before symptoms appear.

Students and employees, who are exposed, and do not have documented immunity will be excluded from campus activities and the South Carolina Department of Public Health will instruct you to quarantine for 21 days from the exposure. Quarantine may reset if new cases arise and exposure occurs again. Depending on your job, you may be allowed to work remotely or take annual/sick leave. Supervisors/Chairs will work with you on a case-by-case basis.

If you suspect you have measles, act immediately to protect yourself and others:

1. Stay home and avoid contact with others
   Do not attend class, work, or public events. Measles is highly contagious and can spread before you realize you are sick.
2. Call your healthcare provider before visiting
   Inform them you may have measles so they can make arrangements to prevent exposing others. Do not walk into a clinic or ER without calling first.
• Students: Call Student Health at 803-777-3175.
• Employees: Contact your provider or planned clinic.
3. Monitor symptoms and seek medical evaluation
   Common symptoms include:
• High fever
• Cough, runny nose, red eyes
• Rash that starts on the face and spreads downward
  Your provider may order lab tests (throat/nasal swab and blood test) to confirm measles.
4. Follow isolation guidelines
   You are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after its onset. Isolation during this period is critical.
5. Respond to public health authorities when contacted
   Measles is a reportable disease in South Carolina. Your provider will contact DPH to help track exposures and prevent further spread. Respond promptly when DPH case investigators or contact tracers contact you and answer their questions honestly
6. Supportive care at home
   There is no specific treatment for measles. Rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medications can help. Seek emergency care if you experience severe symptoms such as breathing difficulty or confusion.
7. Protect vulnerable individuals
   Pregnant people, infants, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for complications. Avoid all contact with these groups.

Residential students may be quarantined in their residence halls or at their home. Employees may have the option to work remotely or take leave, depending on job duties. 

Isolation lasts until four days have passed since the onset of rash.

If exposed, individuals can avoid quarantine by receiving an MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure.

• Medical exemption: Requires physician documentation.
• Religious exemption: Requires a notarized form.
• Distance-learning exemption: Only for students enrolled in online-only coursework.
• While exemptions are allowed, if you are exposed, you will need to quarantine for 21 days.

Individuals with exemptions, who are exposed, will be excluded from campus and campus activities for the duration of the incubation period (21 days from the last case).

• Take a picture or scan your document(s).
• Log into MyHealthSpace using your network username and password.
• Enter your date of birth and click Proceed.
• Select Medical Clearances (left side).
• Click the update button for Immunizations Record.
• Upload your document and click Save.

Student Health and Well-Being will provide your immunization status to the SC Department of Public Health if you are exposed. For employees, uploading is voluntary and for your convenience.

• USC Student Health and Well-Being offers blood tests ($41) and MMR vaccines ($115).
• Adults with SC PEBA State Health Plan insurance may receive the vaccine at USC or network pharmacies for no cost.
• Schedule appointments via MyHealthSpace.

• Message the Allergy, Immunization, Travel Clinic Provider in MyHealthSpace.
• CDC Measles Information
• SC DPH Measles Outbreak Updates

• Get vaccinated, Measles vaccine is extremely effective in preventing infection.
• Practice respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette
• Wash hands frequently
• Stay home when sick
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

• Have immunization records readily available and consider uploading into MyHealthSpace
• Encourage students and colleagues to become familiar with the information about measles
• Review signs and symptoms of measles