Measles Update
Dorchester School District Two is closely monitoring the current measles outbreak in the Upstate. While there are no reported cases in our area or in DD2 at this time, we remain committed to ensuring our district community is prepared. The district is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with public health officials and through our established health and safety procedures.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that typically begins with fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by a rash several days later. Because of how easily measles can spread, state health guidelines require specific actions to protect students and staff.
Families should be aware that if a student who does not have vaccination documentation on file is exposed to the measles virus, Department of Public Health procedures require the student to be excluded from school for 21 days as a precautionary measure.
We encourage families to monitor their children for symptoms and contact a medical provider if they have concerns.
Dorchester School District Two will continue to follow all state and local health guidelines, and the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We will provide additional updates if circumstances change.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools healthy and safe.
Parent Communication
The district will continue to communicate directly with families should there be any changes to this situation. Please monitor this website, district emails, and official communication channels for updates.
Measles – Frequently Asked Questions - Updated 1/23/2026
General Information
Q: What is measles?
A: Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus. The virus lives in the nose and throat of an infected person and can live for up to 2 hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves that area.
Q: How does measles spread?
A: The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing and spreads from person to person through inhaling contaminated air or touching surfaces with droplets and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If someone is infected with measles, up to 90% of their contacts (if not immune) may also become infected. A person spreads measles before they even know they have it, as they are contagious from 4 days prior to symptom onset through 4 days after they develop a rash. The incubation period for measles is 21 days.
Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
A: Symptoms begin 7-14 days after initial infection (contact with virus).
- Initial symptoms are high fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes.
- Day 2-3 symptoms include tiny white spots inside the mouth
- Day 3-5 symptoms include measles rash (flat red spots on the face at hairline that then spreads to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet) often associated with a high spiking fever (up to 104)
Q: Are close contacts required to quarantine after an exposure to measles?
A: Per DPH, all close contacts to a case of measles, who do not have proof of immunity are required to quarantine, regardless of the presence of symptoms. Current quarantine for measles exposure is 21 days from last exposure.
Q: How can someone be considered “immune” to measles?
A: To be considered to have immunity to the measles, an individual would need one of the following:
- Date of birth prior to 1957
- Individuals born before 1957, regardless of where they were born to have natural immunity based on the widespread nature of the disease prior to that time.
- Proof of prior measles vaccination
- Individuals with proof of at least 1 dose of a live measles vaccine are considered immune. While current recommendations (and requirements for students) are for 2 doses, one dose is 93% effective and enough for immunity status.
- Individuals who received an inactive vaccine (only given from 1965-1968) would not be considered immune based on vaccine record alone.
- Bloodwork showing evidence of immunity
- Individuals can have their blood drawn for titers. Individuals who have been vaccinated previously or who have had measles at any point in their life can prove immunity through this lab test.
Staff
Q: What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms of measles?
A: Please contact your healthcare provider immediately. Staff should remain home and alert their Administrator.
Q: What should I do if I am notified by the Department of Public Health or another individual that I have been exposed to someone with measles?
A: Please monitor yourself closely for symptoms and notify your Administrator/School Nurse. Staff members who have provided documentation of immunity to the District may return to work as long as they have no symptoms of measles. If you need medical guidance, please contact your healthcare provider.
Q: How do I know if I have immunity to measles?
A: To be considered immune, staff will need to meet one of the criteria listed above. Staff members have been asked to seek out records of prior vaccination or immunity and voluntarily submit this information to the District in the event their immunity status is needed for contact tracing.
Staff members should take one of the steps below to obtain proof of immunity:
- Look up personal vaccine record in SIMON state registry
- Contact your last attended K-12 School/District to request records
DD2 Graduates may contact the individuals listed below:
- ARHS: Mandy Cattie
- FDHS: Cathy Ingalsbe
- SHS: Andrea Morley
- Contact your personal healthcare provider to discuss available records or bloodwork to determine titers for immunity
Staff members born before 1957, regardless of where they were born, are considered to have natural immunity and no additional documentation is required.
Q: What if I can’t find any record of prior immunity?
A: If you are unsure of your immunity status and unable to obtain documentation, staff should speak to their healthcare provider to discuss options. Your provider may decide to order bloodwork to check your titers or may suggest that you obtain a measles vaccine.
Q: If I am exposed to someone with measles, will I need to stay home from work?
A: If you are exposed to someone with measles, you should monitor yourself closely for symptoms. If you are considered to be immune, have provided proof of immunity to the District, and have no symptoms, you are able to return to work as usual. Individuals with symptoms should remain home and contact their healthcare provide for further guidance. Individuals who have not provided proof of immunity will be required, per DPH, to follow current quarantine guidelines. Current quarantine for individuals exposed to measles is 21 days from date of last exposure.
Q: If I have to quarantine, will I be paid for my time off?
A: No federal funds are available to provide leave to staff for measles infection or exposure. Staff members who are required to quarantine will need to user their personal leave balance or be unpaid for their absences. To avoid unnecessary quarantine, staff members are encouraged to proactively obtain and submit proof of immunity.
Students
Q: What should I do if my student is experiencing symptoms of measles?
A: Please contact your healthcare provider immediately. Staff and students should remain home and alert their School Nurse who will provide them with further guidance.
Q: What should I do if I am notified by the Department of Public Health or another individual that my student has been exposed to someone with measles?
A: Please monitor your student closely for symptoms and notify your School Nurse.
Students who have proof of immunity on file with the District may return to school as long as they have no symptoms of measles. If you are unsure of your student’s vaccine/immunity status, please contact your School Nurse or access your child’s record on the SIMON registry. For medical guidance, please contact your child’s healthcare provider.
Students who do not have record of immunity on file with the District will be required to follow current DPH quarantine guidance. Current quarantine for individuals exposed to measles is 21 days from last exposure.
Please note: This information is based on requirements at this time in accordance with guidelines from DPH and the CDC. We will continue to monitor these recommendations and the level of disease activity to determine appropriate requirements for students and staff as things change in our community.