Prisma Health Provides Measles Outbreak Update; No Cases Confirmed in Laurens County, but Officials Urge Caution

Prisma Health officials and medical experts provided an update on the ongoing measles outbreak in South Carolina on Friday, January 16, 2026, urging residents to remain vigilant as cases continue to rise across the state — particularly in the Upstate.

The briefing, led by Tammie Epps, Director of Media Relations at Prisma Health, featured a panel of physicians including Dr. Stuart Simko, Dr. Robin LaCroix, Dr. Helmut Albrecht, and Dr. Johnathon Elkes. The discussion focused on the highly contagious nature of measles, vaccination protocols, and the growing strain on healthcare systems as providers work to control the outbreak during an already busy respiratory illness season.

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, the outbreak has been largely concentrated in Spartanburg County and surrounding Upstate communities, with hundreds of confirmed cases reported statewide as of mid-January. No confirmed measles cases have been reported in Laurens County at this time, but health officials stressed that the virus spreads easily through travel, school settings, and public spaces, making awareness and prevention critical.

What Health Officials Are Seeing

Dr. Simko discussed the recent increase in measles cases across South Carolina and noted that many physicians are encountering measles for the first time in their careers due to the disease’s long absence prior to declining vaccination rates. Simko outlined Prisma Health’s efforts to limit exposure through enhanced screening, isolation protocols, and increased use of telemedicine.

Dr. Robin LaCroix, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, emphasized that measles is among the most contagious viruses known and can be transmitted before symptoms are obvious. LaCroix highlighted the effectiveness of post-exposure vaccination within 72 hours and warned of serious complications, including encephalitis and secondary bacterial infections.

Dr. Helmut Albrecht addressed concerns about adult immunity, explaining that adults may be less protected than children, especially if vaccination status is uncertain. Albrecht noted that measles has a 10- to 14-day incubation period and that individuals can be infectious for several days before developing a rash. Adults face increased risks of severe illness, including higher mortality rates and pregnancy-related complications. Two doses of the MMR vaccine typically provide lifelong immunity unless compromised by certain medical conditions.

Dr. Johnathon Elkes described the strain the outbreak is placing on emergency departments, citing a sharp increase in new cases statewide within a short period of time. Elkes outlined steps being taken to prevent exposure in emergency settings, including masking and rapid isolation protocols.

Guidance for Laurens County Residents

Prisma Health shared the following recommendations during the January 16 update:

Patients and families scheduling appointments due to possible measles exposure should notify front office staff or disclose symptoms and exposure concerns through MyChart to allow for safe triage and reduce the risk of office exposure.

Prisma Health staff continue to screen all patients for measles symptoms and exposures and follow established isolation and handling protocols for suspected cases.

The Prisma Health hotline — 833-2-PRISMA (833-277-4762) — is available for public questions, appointment scheduling, and routing patients to appropriate care, including telehealth services.

Clinical and administrative teams are continuing to reconfigure spaces, update protocols, and ensure treatment guidelines and resources are readily available to clinicians.

Individuals unsure of their MMR vaccination or immunity status are encouraged to get vaccinated or have their immunity checked through a blood test, particularly those born after 1957 or those at higher risk.

Anyone notified of measles exposure should monitor symptoms and self-isolate for 21 days, remaining home and avoiding contact with others if symptoms develop.

Healthcare providers are reminded that suspected measles cases must be reported to the South Carolina Department of Public Health in accordance with required procedures.

A Message for the Community

Doctors concluded the briefing by emphasizing that controlling the outbreak will require cooperation from the entire community. Vaccination, early disclosure of symptoms or exposure, and adherence to public health guidance were identified as the most effective ways to prevent the spread of measles and protect vulnerable populations.

While Laurens County has not reported confirmed cases to date, health officials stressed that staying informed and prepared remains essential as the situation continues to evolve across South Carolina.