Prisma Health Implements Masking Rules Amid South Carolina’s Largest U.S. Measles Outbreak

Starting February 5, 2026, Prisma Health is requiring masks in its South Carolina hospitals to combat the state’s measles outbreak—the nation’s largest—with 876 cases, mostly in Spartanburg County but spreading elsewhere. All adult patients and visitors must mask until evaluated (parents asked to mask children 2+), as must everyone entering labor & delivery, OB triage, or birthing areas. Those with fever, rash, or respiratory symptoms must continue masking. The measures protect vulnerable groups—including pregnant women (at risk for pneumonia, miscarriage, or preterm birth), immunocompromised patients, and critically ill individuals—from the highly contagious airborne virus. Prisma Health doctors urge unvaccinated people to get the MMR vaccine and recommend early MMR doses for infants 6–11 months and accelerated second doses for toddlers in outbreak areas to help curb spread.