Measles symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Measles typically begins with:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104°)
• Cough
• Runny nose (coryza)
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.

Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline. They then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots. The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body. When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104°F.

Measles is an airborne disease and is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It is one of the most contagious illnesses that exists; as many as 9 out of 10 close contacts who have not had the disease earlier or have not been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine may become infected if exposed. After an infected person leaves a location, the measles virus remains alive for up to two hours on surfaces and in the air.

Some people who contract measles may suffer from severe complications, such as:

• Hospitalization: About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is the most frequent serious complication, often resulting in hospitalization.
• Encephalitis: About 1 in 1,000 people who get measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain), which can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE): SSPE is a very rare, but fatal disease of the central nervous system. It results from a measles virus infection acquired earlier in life.
• Complications during pregnancy: In pregnant women who have not had the MMR vaccine, contracting measles significantly increases the risk of miscarriage, premature labor, and low-birth-weight in newborns.
• Blindness: Measles can lead to or exacerbate vitamin A deficiency. Blindness as a complication of measles is usually due to damage to the cornea as a result of this vitamin A deficiency.
• Death: Although death is uncommon in adults, between 1 and 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.

Another lesser known, but far more widespread, complication of measles is called "immune amnesia." Immune amnesia is a condition where the immune system "forgets" previously acquired immunity following a measles infection. Immune amnesia can erase up to 73% of a person's immune memory, making it harder for the immune system to fight off infections, including those that a person has previously had. This condition can last for two to three years following a measles infection.

It is important to note that, whereas contracting the measles virus can adversely affect immune system functioning, the measles vaccine has the opposite effect, helping to strengthen the immune system.

The best way to prevent the spread of measles is vaccination. The MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses (the recommended dosage) of the measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if you are exposed to the virus. One dose is about 93% effective. Conversely, unvaccinated individuals have a 90% chance of contracting measles when exposed to the virus. For more information, please see DPH's measles vaccine guidance.

As part of their new student health and immunization requirements, traditional undergraduate students are required to provide proof of two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, or a blood test showing immunity. Exemptions are offered for students with documented medical conditions or religious objections; however, these exemptions do not prevent a person from entering quarantine or isolation. More information about Converse's immunization requirements can be found here.

Although Converse II and graduate students are not required to submit immunization records at matriculation, they are strongly encouraged to obtain this documentation in order to prepare for potential campus exposures and prevent the need for a lengthy quarantine.

To prepare for potential campus exposures and prevent the need for a lengthy quarantine, employees are strongly encouraged to obtain documentation of immunity to measles. Documentation of immunity includes any of the following:

• Documentation of 2 shots of the MMR or other measles virus-containing vaccine
• Laboratory evidence of immunity (which can be obtained with a blood test known as a titer)
• Birth before 1957 

If you do not have this documentation and are exposed, you will need to quarantine for 21 days.

Traditional undergraduate students are required to submit their immunization through MedProctor. Traditional undergraduate students may log on to their MedProctor account to verify their records. 

If you do not already have copies of your immunization records, below are some ways that you can access them:

Contact the provider who administered them: Most states require that your provider maintain your pediatric records for a period of time after you turn 18. If you received immunizations from a pediatrician or family provider, they should be able to provide these records.

MyChart: If your provider uses MyChart, you may be able to easily access your immunization records. To find your immunization records on the MyChart app, follow these steps:

• Log on to your MyChart app
• Tap on the menu at the top left
• Tap on Health Summary
• Scroll down to Immunizations and tap on "Immunizations"

Your school district: You have likely submitted your immunization records to your school district. Most schools are required to maintain these records for at least a few years after you graduate. Contact your school's nurse to see about accessing these records.

Your state health department: Most states maintain a state registry of all immunizations, even if you do not receive these vaccines from the health department. If you have moved, you will need to contact the health department in the state where you would have received these immunizations. Find your state’s immunization record request on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. 

If you are unable to locate these records but believe that you have been fully vaccinated, you may want to consider obtaining labwork to determine your immunity to measles. This simple blood test, called a titer, is an acceptable substitute to immunization records, and will allow an individual to avoid quarantine in cases of exposure. The Wellness Center offers this test for a nominal fee. 

Generally speaking, if you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, you should be fully immunized and should not require any additional doses. 

If you have not received the MMR vaccine and would like to do so at this time, you may contact your family physician, your local health department, or a local pharmacy. The following providers offer vaccinations in Spartanburg County:

• Spartanburg County Health Department
• CVS
• Walgreens
• Walmart Pharmacy 
• Publix Pharmacy
• Ingles Pharmacy
• AFC Urgent Care 

We recognize and appreciate that our faculty, staff and students are focused on the well-being of our Converse community, and as such, we trust that we each make informed choices on how best to protect ourselves, our families, and our campus. We are one Converse community. As we prioritize our own health, we ultimately prioritize the health and well-being of all members of our campus.

As such, students and employees are not required to be vaccinated against measles. Traditional undergraduate students who choose not to receive this vaccine due to medical contraindications or religious objections are required to apply for an exemption.

Students and employees who choose not to be vaccinated, including those with approved exemptions, should be aware that, in accordance with local and regional state public health authorities, they will be required to enter isolation if they contract measles and quarantine if they are exposed to someone with measles. The length of isolation and quarantine will ultimately be determined by public health officials, and students and employees will need to follow the guidance that they are provided in these instances. Employees who choose not to pursue vaccination should consult with their supervisor and Human Resources in the event that they are asked to enter isolation or quarantine. For residential students, please note that Converse cannot guarantee that it will be possible to offer on-campus isolation or quarantine housing.

No, you do not need to submit this documentation to the Wellness Center. We encourage you to keep this documentation handy so that you can submit it to public health authorities in case of an exposure to measles on campus.

Yes, people who know they got the inactivated measles vaccine (an earlier formulation of measles vaccine that is no longer used) should talk to their healthcare provider about getting revaccinated with the current, live measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Not many people fall into this group; the inactivated vaccine was given to less than 1 million people between 1963 and 1967. If you're unsure whether you fall into this group, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider. They will review your vaccination records and check to see if you have other documentation of measles immunity. Your healthcare provider may also perform a blood test to check for evidence of immunity.

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 have documented immunity to measles do not need to quarantine after exposure to measles. If you later develop symptoms of measles, please contact your healthcare provider.

If you do not have documented immunity to measles AND it has been less than 72 hours since you were first exposed to measles, you may want to consider a strategy called post-exposure prophylaxis. In this situation, if you obtain an MMR vaccine within 24 hours, you may be able to avoid quarantine. To determine if you are an appropriate candidate for post-exposure prophylaxis, contact a medical provider or SCDPH (864-372-3133 during regular business hours; 864-423-6648 during evenings/weekends/holidays).

Students and employees who do not have documented immunity to measles and are exposed to someone who has measles must act immediately to protect themselves and others:

1.  Follow quarantine guidelines.

• You will need to quarantine for 21 days beginning the day after your last date of exposure (see image below). Quarantine during this period is critical.
• SCDPH will consult with you regarding your specific dates of quarantine. If they have not already contacted you for contact tracing, please reach out to them (864-372-3133 during regular business hours; 864-423-6648 during evenings/weekends/holidays).
• If you live on campus, call the RD On-Call at 864-621-7114 to make arrangements for quarantine. 
  • Students who live within six hours of campus are asked to go home for their full quarantine period.
  • Students who live more than six hours away from campus should talk to the RD On-Call about their options. Please note that Converse cannot guarantee access to on-campus quarantine housing.

2.  Notify the Wellness Center about your quarantine guidance.

• The University needs to know about your dates of quarantine in order to ensure that we are preventing any possible spread of the measles virus.
• Call or email the Wellness Center about your quarantine guidance as soon as possible after SCDPH has clarified the dates of your quarantine.

3.  Stay home and avoid contact with others. 

• Converse employees should discuss their situation with their supervisor/chair, who will work with employees on a case-by-case basis to determine the best course of action. 
• You should remain in your home.
• Do not go anywhere, including to work, school, daycare, or any public areas.
• Do not have visitors in your home.
• Separate yourself from others who may live in your home, to the greatest extent possible.
• Use a separate bathroom/toilet, if available.
• Do not share eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items with people.
• Do not use ride shares or public transportation.
• If you require food or medications, arrange for contactless delivery.
• Wash hands often with liquid soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with other people; if able, wear a face mask if contact is unavoidable.
• Pregnant people, infants, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for complications. Avoid all contact with these groups.

4.  Monitor your temperature and watch for symptoms of measles.

• Use a thermometer to take your temperature twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
• Watch out for symptoms of measles, including:
  
  • Fever over 100.4° 
  • Cough
  • Congestion
  • Red, irritated eyes
  • Rash
• Notify SCDPH and the Wellness Center if you develop symptoms of measles.

If you suspect you have measles, it is crucial that you act immediately to protect yourself and others:

1.  Call your healthcare provider to consult about your symptoms and make arrangements for testing.

• Call BEFORE entering any healthcare setting, including the Wellness Center. Your provider will need to make arrangements to prevent exposure to others.
• Weekdays: Call the Wellness Center at (864) 596-9258 and request a virtual appointment. The nurse practitioner will assess your symptoms and determine if you would benefit from testing for measles.
• Evenings/weekends: Consider reaching out to a provider who offers telehealth services for guidance. Two options in the Upstate include:
  • Spartanburg Regional Virtual Care
  • Prisma Health
• Your provider may order lab tests (throat/nasal swab and blood test) to confirm measles. In some cases, SCDPH may send a provider to your location to complete testing.
• If you do not wish to see a medical provider, please notify SCDPH (864-372-3133 during regular business hours; 864-423-6648 during evenings/weekends/holidays), who may be able to arrange for testing and can help to track others who may have been exposed.

2.  Follow isolation guidelines as directed.

• You are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after its onset (see image below). Isolation during this period is critical.
• SCDPH will consult with you regarding your specific dates of isolation.
• If you live on campus, call the RD On-Call at 864-621-7114 to make arrangements for isolation. 
  • Students who live within six hours of campus are asked to go home for their full isolation period.
  • Students who live more than six hours away from campus should contact the RD On-Call about their options. Please note that Converse cannot guarantee access to on-campus isolation housing.
• Stay home and avoid contact with others:
  • Converse employees should discuss their situation with their supervisor/chair, who will work with employees on a case-by-case basis to determine the best course of action. 
  • You should remain in your home.
  • Do not go anywhere, including to work, school, daycare, or any public areas.
  • Do not have visitors in your home.
  • Separate yourself from others who may live in your home, to the greatest extent possible.
  • Use a separate bathroom/toilet, if available.
  • Do not share eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items with people.
  • Do not use ride shares or public transportation.
  • If you require food or medications, arrange for contactless delivery.
  • Wash hands often with liquid soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with other people; if able, wear a face mask if contact is unavoidable.
  • Pregnant people, infants, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for complications. Avoid all contact with these groups.

3.  Notify the Wellness Center about your isolation guidance.

• The University needs to know about your dates of isolation in order to begin gathering information to share with SCDPH contact tracers.
• Call or email the Wellness Center about your isolation guidance as soon as possible after SCDPH has clarified the dates of your isolation.

4.  Respond to public health authorities when contacted.

• Measles is a reportable disease in South Carolina. HIPAA, FERPA, and state privacy laws allow for medical providers to share information in case of public health emergency, such as a disease outbreak.
• Your provider will contact SCDPH to help track exposures and prevent further spread.
• Respond promptly when SCDPH case investigators or contact tracers contact you and answer their questions honestly.

5.  Engage in supportive care at home and seek emergency care if needed.

• There is no specific treatment for measles, but rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medications can help. 
• Seek emergency care if you experience severe symptoms such as:
  
  • A hard time breathing or rapid breathing
  • Signs of severe dehydration (dry nose and mouth, urinating less than usual)
  • Confusion, decreased alertness, or severe weakness
• If you need emergency care, notify EMS or the hospital that you have measles before going so that they can make arrangements to prevent others from being exposed.

Measles is a very contagious disease. SCDPH needs to be aware of active measles cases for a variety of reasons:

• To understand and predict how the disease is spreading
• To enact control measures to prevent the rapid spread of measles in communities
• To identify individuals who are at high risk of developing serious complications and offer early intervention
• To reduce burden on community healthcare facilities

Because of these factors, it is very important that SCDPH tracks everyone who has been exposed to or has developed measles to find people who are at risk.

To learn more about the measles outbreak in South Carolina, including public exposure locations, please visit the South Carolina Department of Public Health's 2025 Measles Outbreak page. SCDPH's measles dashboard, which displays up-to-date statistics on measles cases in the state, is below.