South Carolina Measles Outbreak Nears 1,000 Cases

New Exposures Identified at Restaurants, Stores, and Medical Center

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reporting 17 new cases of measles in the state since Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases related to the Upstate outbreak to 950. There are currently 186 people in quarantine and nine in isolation. DPH has identified numerous locations where exposures to infectious measles may have occurred, including Itto Ramen Bar, HomeGoods, and Children's Medical Center.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. This outbreak in South Carolina highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles and protecting public health.

The details

The latest end of quarantine for those exposed is March 8. DPH has defined the times of potential exposure at Itto Ramen Bar, HomeGoods, and Children's Medical Center. People who were exposed at these locations, especially those without immunity through vaccination or previous disease, should monitor for symptoms through late February. Vaccination continues to be the best way to prevent measles and stop this outbreak.

  • As of Tuesday, there were 950 total cases of measles in the South Carolina Upstate outbreak.
  • There are currently 186 people in quarantine and nine in isolation.
  • The latest end of quarantine for those exposed is March 8.
  • Potential exposures occurred at Itto Ramen Bar on February 5, HomeGoods on February 5, and Children's Medical Center on February 4 and 6.
  • DPH will activate its Mobile Health Unit to offer free MMR vaccination to the public on March 3 in Spartanburg.

The players

South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH)

The state health department responsible for monitoring and responding to the measles outbreak in South Carolina.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This outbreak highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles. The South Carolina Department of Public Health is working to identify exposure locations and provide free vaccination opportunities to the public in order to control the outbreak.