As part of the ongoing investigation into the current measles outbreak centered around Spartanburg County, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has identified that an individual infectious with measles was at the Kanpai of Tokyo restaurant at 2300 Winchester Place in Spartanburg, S.C., on Nov. 2 from 3 to 6 p.m.
DPH is asking anyone who was at that location during that specific day and timeframe to contact your health care provider if you believe you may have been exposed, particularly if you do not have immunity to measles or if you develop symptoms.
People who were exposed, especially those without immunity through vaccination or previous disease, should monitor for symptoms through Nov. 23. Symptoms typically begin 7-12 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days to show. Usually, early symptoms include a cough, runny nose and red eyes, along with a mild to moderate fever.
As the illness progresses, fevers can spike, often as high as 104°F. At the same time, a red blotchy rash appears, usually first on the face and head, before spreading down the body. A person with measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after its onset, so someone may be able to spread measles before they know they have the disease.
If anyone who may have been exposed develops an illness with fever (101°F or more), cough, runny nose or red eyes, with or without rash, they are advised to call their doctor and let them know about the exposure and symptoms. It is important to stay home if you are ill.
The MMR vaccine is the most effective way of protecting oneself against measles. Anyone who is not up to date on MMR vaccination or does not have immunity from prior infection, is encouraged to receive a dose of MMR vaccine, unless there is a medical reason why you cannot receive it.Â
The MMR vaccine is effective and safe. The DPH Recommendations for MMR Vaccination chart can help you understand if you need a dose of the vaccine. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you may be able to receive the immunization at a DPH mobile MMR vaccine event (listed on the DPH Measles Outbreak website) or at a pharmacy or provider included on the DPH online vaccine locator.
For more information on the Spartanburg County measles outbreak, visit the State Department of Health’s webpage on the outbreak.
