Measles outbreak in South Carolina: Officials warn of brain damage in children

South Carolina health officials are warning of “irreparable” neurological damage to children as measles-related hospitalizations rise in the state.

Of the 876 confirmed cases in the outbreak, at least 19 patients were admitted with serious complications.

“Some of these problems include measles encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, in children, and pneumonia,” said state epidemiologist Linda Bell at a Feb. 4.

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Bell emphasized that this problem is especially dangerous for young patients.

“Whenever you have inflammation of the brain … it can have long-term effects, things like developmental delays and effects on the nervous system that are irreversible,” warns the expert.

Although the state does not systematically track all medical complications, pneumonia is the leading cause of measles-related death among young children, affecting about one in 20 infected children, according to CDC data.

A total of 147 students are isolated in 10 K-12 schools, Bell noted.

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The outbreak of this disease poses a risk to pregnant mothers. Because the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy, a few recently exposed women need emergency treatment with immune globulin to provide “immunity.”

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Bell noted that this is important to “protect them from the high risk of complications during pregnancy and to protect their newborns.”

The mumps virus is so notorious, it can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room, experts say.

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death from measles in young children, affecting about one in 20 children infected with the disease. (Stock)

South Carolina saw a historic vaccination surge in January. In particular, Spartanburg County saw a 162% increase in MMR prescriptions compared to last year.

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“I hope that’s what we can explain [the vaccine surge] to be more aware of the threat of this widespread disease in our communities and the desire for people to be protected from problems,” said Bell at the forum.

A new case in Pee Dee County suggests the virus may have spread beyond the initial northern clusters through “unknown community transmission.” (Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

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Health officials continue to urge the public to seek vaccinations, especially since a new case in Pee Dee County suggests the virus may spread beyond the initial clusters in the north through “unknown community transmission.”

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As for the dreaded encephalitis and pneumonia, “these are the problems we hope to prevent,” Bell added.

“Increased vaccination protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as young infants, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.”