As a measles outbreak spreads across Upstate South Carolina, just how well-protected are children in Cleveland County from the highly contagious virus?
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, more than 140 cases have been reported in the Spartanburg area since July.
Spartanburg is less than 40 miles from Shelby.
"Some cases are travel-related exposures or close contacts of known cases," the SCDPH website said. "Other cases have no identified source, suggesting that measles is circulating in the community and could spread further. We have seen measles spread quickly in unvaccinated households here in South Carolina. We also know that it can spread quickly in unvaccinated communities based on outbreaks in other states."
According to Karyn Owens-Patton, Cleveland County communications director, there have not been any cases of measles reported in the county.
"There was one case of measles in Mecklenburg County in the fall of 2024, and there was one case of measles in an international traveler visiting Wake County in the summer of 2025," she said. "There is a current ongoing outbreak in the Upstate region of South Carolina, with most cases occurring in Spartanburg County, South Carolina."
Owens-Patton said Cleveland County has a higher vaccination rate than the state's average, but it's still lower than the recommended rate to prevent community spread of a virus.
"In 2024, 94.1% of Cleveland County’s kindergarteners were up to date with all school-required vaccines, which includes the measles vaccine, compared to the state’s average of 92.8%," she said. "While our school-required vaccine rate is higher than the state average, a vaccine rate of 95% or higher is recommended for the best protection against community spread for a highly infectious virus like measles."
She said they are encouraging anyone who is not fully vaccinated against measles to consider getting vaccinated.
"You may contact your healthcare provider, or the vaccine is available at the Cleveland County Health Department with no appointment necessary Monday through Friday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m."
For those who are aren't sure if they are vaccinated, their healthcare provider or local health department can help access vaccine records.
Owens-Patton said measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5-years-old, and it is highly contagious.
"If one person has the virus, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not vaccinated," she said. "The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles."
For additional information, visit cdc.gov/measles or call the Cleveland County Health Department at 980-484-5100.