Measles case reported in Beaufort County. What to know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- DPH advises exposed people, especially unvaccinated, to monitor for three weeks.
- DPH listed specific Beaufort locations and times for possible exposure.
- The infected person’s vaccination status was unknown and lacked prior immunity to measles.
A Beaufort County adult has tested positive for measles and the South Carolina Department of Health (DPH) has released a list of sites where others may have come into contact with the highly contagious, viral disease.
In a press release issued June 11, a day after a lab confirmed the disease, Dr. Brannon Traxler, interim DPH director wrote, “it is critical that healthcare providers and the public be aware of the symptoms associated with this disease and take immediate action if they encounter or experience them.”
DPH noted the person’s vaccination status was unconfirmed. They did not have immunity from a previous measles infection after seeking healthcare on June 6, DPH said.
The measles, once near eradicated in the United States decades ago, spread in South Carolina’s Upstate earlier this year, reaching over 900 cases. It was declared over in April after 42 days had passed without any new associated cases.
Measles is highly contagious
According to DPH, a person is contagious for four days before and after a rash appears, meaning that person can spread measles before they know they are infected.
Measles is a serious disease that can send a person to the hospital and can lead to death. The initial symptoms include a high fever, severe cough and runny nose with red and watery eyes. Tiny white spots develop in the mouth. Several days later a red, spotty rash begins which normally lasts five to six days.
The virus can be spread by the infected person breathing, coughing or sneezing and can remain active in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left.
The best way to prevent measles is through the measles vaccine. The DPH offers recommendations for measles vaccination in a chart on their website.
Sites and times for potential exposure
DPH stressed the locations and times listed below for possible exposure are limited to those times and locations and not a source of ongoing exposure. The businesses and locations are also not responsible for a person with measles having been present.
Publix Super Market at Lady’s Island, Beaufort
June 1: 2:30 - 7:30 p.m.
June 2: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
June 4: 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
June 5: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Beaufort High School football stadium graduation
June 3.
Dataw Island Community Center
June 2, 3 and 4: 5:50 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Were you exposed?
DPH recommends that those who think they may have been exposed, especially those without the vaccine or previous exposure, should monitor for three weeks after the exposure date.
Although the disease is preventable with a vaccine, a Mayo Clinic Press diagnosis and treatment page says there is no specific treatment for measles other than managing symptoms, keeping the infected person hydrated and keeping fevers low.
“Measles is highly contagious, and swift action is necessary to prevent spread in our communities.” Traxler wrote.
This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 4:04 PM.