Beaufort County confirms new measles case; health department lists exposure sites

Beaufort County health officials confirmed on June 12 that a new case of measles was identified in an adult and published locations and time windows where other residents may have been exposed.

A spokesperson for the South Carolina Department of Public Health said the case has “no known connection” to a June 3 case in Hampton County and that the patient’s vaccination status and the source of exposure are unknown. The department identified specific exposure times and locations and advised that people who believe they were exposed should monitor for symptoms for three weeks (21 days) after the exposure date.

The department’s advisory lists the following exposures and times: Public Supermarket on Ladies Island on June 1 from about 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; June 2 from about 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; June 4 from about 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; the Beaufort High School graduation at the BHS football stadium on June 3; and the Doile Island Community Center pool and gym on June 2, June 3 and June 4 (specified times noted in the department’s notice). The department said the risk of exposure is limited to those listed locations and times.

The advisory said those exposed at Beaufort High School should monitor for symptoms through June 24, and those exposed at the Doile Island Community Center should monitor through June 25. It did not provide the confirmed patient’s vaccination status.

The department’s release recommends that people without immunity through vaccination or previous infection pay particular attention to symptoms and consult health care providers as needed. Public health officials said they are continuing the epidemiological investigation to determine possible sources of the exposure and to alert other potentially affected sites.

No further actions or public health orders were announced in the broadcast segment. Residents with concerns were directed to the South Carolina Department of Public Health for updates and guidance.