McLeod Health Measles Update

Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory illness.

Symptoms typically begins with:

  • Fever (can be as high as 105°F)
  • Not feeling well (malaise)
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Bluish/white spots on the inside of the mouth
  • A characteristic rash usually follows that starts on the face then spreads to the rest of the body.

If you have been exposed to measles:

  • Monitor yourself for any early signs of measles for 21 days after your potential exposure.
  • If you or a family member develop a fever or other symptoms of measles, stay home and do not go to a childcare facility, school, work, or other public spaces.

Measles Timeline:

Symptom onset:

  • 8 to 12 days after exposure: fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis
  • Rash typically appears around 14 days after exposure

Period of contagion:

  • Begins 4 days before respiratory symptoms appear
  • Continues until 4 days after the rash develops
  • Immunocompromised individuals may remain contagious longer

Immunity: Measles does not occur in individuals with prior immunity.

The CDC defines measles immunity as the following:

  • You have received the recommended number of measles-containing vaccines (MMR) based on your age and exposure risk
  • A lab test confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life.
  • A lab test confirmed that you are immune to measles.
  • You were born before 1957.

Call the McLeod Health On Call Measles Line for Guidance:

If you are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles and you might have been exposed or suspect you have measles, contact the McLeod Health On Call Measles Line at (843) 777-7070 before arrival at a McLeod facility, urgent care center or doctor’s office.

  • Inform the nurse of your symptoms and possible exposure.
  • The nurse will review your symptoms with you, the date of when you were possibly exposed, and provide guidance on which McLeod facility you should visit based on your location. The nurse will also call ahead to the facility to inform them that you are coming in with a suspected case of measles so they can greet you and take the necessary precautions. Please wear a mask when you enter the facility. These steps allow the care team to prepare appropriate isolation precautions and protect other patients, visitors, and healthcare workers.

Visit the Department of Public Health’s Measles Outbreak website for more information:

https://dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/measles-rubeola/2025-measles-outbreak