We’re lucky this year.

Some experts say we could be vulnerable to a measles outbreak as people avoid vaccinations.

Chris Delcamp of the Department of Health & Environmental Control said they found 6 cases in the upstate last year but none here so far this year.

From 2014 to 2018, the number of SC students exempt from vaccinations for religious reasons increased by nearly 20,000.

Well over 90% of state residents are vaccinated, but some experts still believe that there is a possibility for an outbreak.

Measles is an incredibly contagious virus that spreads through the throat and nose mucus of someone with the infection.

The most recommended method of preventing the virus is the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella or MMR vaccine. In South Carolina, students can be exempt from the mandatory vaccine through religious or medical exemptions.

Symptoms include coughing, fever and rashes.

The Centers for Disease Control reported 1 of 20 children infected with measles gets pneumonia, which is also the most common cause of death in children.

Brain swelling is another possible complication.

The virus can live 2 hours in the air. If one person catches it, 90% of friends and family without the vaccine will be infected.

Some arguments against the use of the MMR vaccines or other vaccines is a refuted link with autism.

Health officials say there is no association between measles and autism.