Coastal Carolina University students remain vigilant amid a growing measles outbreak affecting Clemson and Anderson Universities in South Carolina, though no cases have been reported locally at CCU. Health experts highlight the virus’s high contagiousness on college campuses due to close living quarters and social mixing, with vaccines offering 97% effectiveness.
Outbreak Details
South Carolina reports over 646 measles cases since last fall, mostly among unvaccinated children and teens under 20, with recent spikes including 88 new cases and eight hospitalizations. Clemson University confirmed a case linked to a campus-associated individual, leading to isolation, contact tracing, and quarantine for 34 students; Anderson University reported one case with 50 students potentially exposed.​
CCU Response
CCU confirms no cases on campus and is monitoring with public health partners while sharing prevention updates. Students like Natalia Cosentino express concern over rapid spread via travel and shared spaces, while vaccinated individuals like Tristian Gardner worry more for the community.​
Prevention Advice
Dr. Stephanie Radu notes measles spreads easily but vaccines provide lifelong protection; campuses urge immunity proof checks, with Clemson at 98% among students. Officials recommend staying home if exposed, contacting health services remotely, and verifying vaccination status to curb outbreaks.
