Measles Updates

On October 2nd, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) reported an outbreak of Measles in the Upstate of South Carolina, see https://dph.sc.gov/news/dph-confirms-measles-outbreak-upstate-region. They reported 5 cases in unvaccinated children, two cases without a known source, suggesting community spread. 

As of October 9th, that total has risen to 11 cases, mainly in the Spartanburg area, but there has been a case in Greenville, SC. https://dph.sc.gov/news/dph-confirms-states-11th-measles-case-greenville-county-eighth-related-current-outbreak

The counties Hendersonville Pediatrics serves are at an increased risk for a Measles outbreak due to lower than protective ("herd immunity") vaccination rates. At this time, in Henderson County, in children aged 5- 18, we are at +/- 80% MMR vaccination rate. It is generally accepted that a rate of 95% vaccinated against MMR is required for herd immunity to measles. There are many pockets in our counties where the vaccination rate is much lower.

Babies under 6 months of age cannot be vaccinated for MMR. Babies 6 months to 11 months can receive MMR if there is a local outbreak or if traveling to a country/area where measles is common. Protective rates for measles if MMR given in the 6 to 11-month age are lower (83%).

If someone enters one of our offices who we suspect has measles, we will have to close that office for 2 hours.

Due to these above concerns, we have implemented some simple questions for our front staff to ask parents when scheduling sick visits. 

We will update this announcement as new information from the SCDPH is released.