Here’s a summary of the key information from the provided text:
* Measles Outbreak: South Carolina is experiencing a growing measles outbreak, with 876 confirmed cases as of Tuesday, concentrated in and around Spartanburg County. Cases have spiked since the holidays.
* New Masking Requirements: Prisma Health hospitals across South Carolina are reinstating masking requirements in obstetric floors and emergency departments as a preventative measure. Masks will be required on entry until patients and accompanying individuals are evaluated for infectious diseases. those with fever, rash, or respiratory symptoms will be asked to continue masking in birthing areas.
* Exposure Incidents: Internal health department records show multiple measles exposure incidents in december and January at Prisma Health and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System facilities,including hospitals,urgent care centers,and pediatric practices.
* Specific Concern: Labor & Delivery: Exposure at the labor and delivery unit of Prisma Health Greer Memorial Hospital is particularly concerning due to the risks measles poses to unvaccinated mothers and their babies.
* Lack of Transparency: Prisma Health has not provided details about the exposure in the labor and delivery unit,including when it occurred or if anyone was infected,despite repeated inquiries.
* Severe Complications: 19 people have been hospitalized with measles complications since the outbreak began, including children with measles encephalitis (brain swelling). Several pregnant women were exposed and required immune globulin treatment.
* Public Health Focus: Officials emphasize the masking requirements are a proactive public health measure to prevent further spread, not a response to a single incident.