Of all the valuable assets that defense industry contractors have, their reputation and credibility with government customers and regulators rank among the highest. That's especially true as it relates to Law of War compliance. In an atmosphere of increasingly pervasive regulation, heightened scrutiny, and aggressive enforcement directed at government contractors, members of the defense industry need to prioritize legal and regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. To do so, it is proactive and strategic to work with a defense contractor attorney Near Anderson, SC for tailored guidance.
U.S.-RECOGNIZED COUNTRIES in 2024
ONGOING ARMED CONFLICTS as of 2024
DEATHS FROM ARMED CONFLICT in 2024
If you're a defense contractor using Google to search for a defense contractor compliance attorney, you're probably well-versed in the Laws of War. But if you're unaware of these laws or you're starting a business geared towards DoD contracting, it's crucial that you understand IHL and the compliance standards you must meet. Otherwise, you could face serious consequences and lose your ability to provide goods and services across the domains of land, sea, air, space, and cyber.
The Law of War, often referred to as International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), comprises a set of international treaties and customary laws that establish guidelines for conduct during armed conflicts. Its primary aim is to minimize unnecessary suffering for the wounded and sick, prisoners of war (POWs), and civilians caught up in hostilities. In a nutshell, the primary goal of the Laws of War is to help save lives and promote some degree of humanity during armed conflicts.
To achieve this, IHL governs the conduct of wars, striking a balance between weakening the opponent and minimizing suffering. The principles of warfare are global. The Geneva Conventions, which form the foundation of IHL, have been ratified by all 196 states. Very few international agreements enjoy such widespread support.
All parties involved in a conflict must adhere to IHL, including both state forces and nonState armed groups. If the Law of War is violated, there are repercussions. War crimes are recorded and examined by nations and international tribunals, and individuals may face prosecution for war crimes.
The Law of War also applies to defense contractors, who must uphold strict compliance standards in order to sell their services. Sometimes, DoD contractors are unaware of or unprepared to meet these compliance standards. That is why they should consult with a government contractor attorney Near Anderson, SC, like Richard Waring, who focuses on Law of War compliance matters.
Some examples of Law of War compliance as it relates to defense contractors include:
Civilian ProtectionDefense contractors, especially private military and security companies (PMSCs), are obligated to follow international humanitarian law (IHL) concerning the safeguarding of civilians and civilian objects. They must promote that they do not engage directly in hostilities if those involved are considered to be civilians.
AccountabilityBoth people employed by defense contractors and the companies they work for may face legal accountability for breaches of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This encompasses possible criminal charges for serious violations of the Geneva Conventions and assigning blame to superiors for the actions of their subordinates.
Use of ForceAlthough defense contractors are typically not permitted to engage in offensive use of force, they may be granted permission to utilize force in situations of self-defense or to safeguard other civilians or their property.
Four of the most basic rules of IHL include the following:
01Parties involved in a conflict must always make a clear distinction between civilians and combatants to protect the civilian population and their property. No attacks should be directed at the civilian population as a whole or at individual civilians. Instead, military actions should be aimed solely at military targets.
02Individuals who are unable or unwilling to engage in combat have the right to life and to be treated with care for their physical and mental health. They should always be safeguarded and treated humanely, without any discrimination. It is prohibited to kill or injure an adversary who has surrendered or who is no longer able to participate in the fighting.
03Neither the conflicting parties nor their military personnel possess an unrestricted right to select their methods and means of warfare. The use of weapons or warfare methods that may result in unnecessary casualties or excessive suffering is prohibited.
04Those who are injured or ill should be gathered and provided care by the party in control of them. Medical staff, health facilities, and transport vehicles are to be protected from attack. Individuals displaying the recognized symbol of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, or Red Crystal on a white background, as well as facilities and vehicles marked with these symbols, must be treated with respect.
Understanding DoD and international Law of War is about more than memorizing complex legal terms. Let's look at a real-life scenario where it applies.
Consider a drone strike aimed at a suspected terrorist hideout nestled within a crowded village. While the strike may be seen as a necessary military action, the risk of civilian casualties raises serious questions about proportionality. In this context, here's how the principles of the Law of War come into play:
ProportionalityIs the expected military benefit greater than the possible harm to civilians? Are there safer alternatives that could accomplish the same goal?
DistinctionIs it possible for intelligence to verify if the hideout contains solely combatants, or might there be civilians unknowingly present as well?
NecessityIs this the only way to tackle the threat, or are there less harmful alternatives that can be considered?
Situations like those outlined above are complicated issues. There are no easy solutions to them. Commanders often face heart-wrenching decisions, weighed down by the potential consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, defense contractors must take significant strides to promote that their products and services comply with DoD and international Law of War mandates.
That's why open and clear communication among military leaders, military companies, legal advisors, and the public is essential. By sharing their thought processes, the factors they consider, and the efforts made to reduce civilian harm, they can promote understanding and foster accountability. If you own a company that supplies the military or DoD, working with a lawyer who specializes in defense contractor compliance could save your business and your reputation.
In 2010, the global market for private military companies (PMC) was estimated to be worth $200 billion and to employ around one million individuals. Today, the PMC sector provides a diverse array of services, with some firms having more than ten thousand employees. In Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army has depended on private military firms and defense contractors for many reasons, including:
In March 2011, the U.S. Department of Defense cited more defense contractor personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq at 155,000 than active military members, 145,000. In those two regions alone, defense contractors accounted for 52% of the U.S. workforce. With those figures in mind and with increasingly volatile and dangerous attacks in areas like Israel and Iran, military companies are in high demand.
If you're a defense contractor - whether large or small - now is the time to promote compliance with both international and DoD Law of War rules and provide appropriate training to key personnel. Here are just a few ways that defense contractor compliance law firms like Conflict Orbit can help your defense company uphold IHL laws.
Conflict Orbit provides in-depth compliance readiness and policy development support to help your business meet Law of War requirements with confidence. Richard Waring helps create a framework that supports operational integrity and contract security. With the rising scrutiny in federal procurement, now is the time to get your business audit-ready and fully aligned with government expectations.
This service can also include pre-design or post-design legal reviews for organizations designing weapons platforms with the goal of marketing them to the government. The government will require these systems to comply with the Law of War, and performing a front-end compliance review may help ensure alignment with government expectations and mitigate potential legal risks.
For defense contractors, comprehensive risk assessments and mitigation services can mean the difference between being in business and bankruptcy. When tailored to the unique challenges of private military organizations, this service evaluates potential legal, operational, and compliance risks related to Law of War obligations, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending targeted strategies to address them.
Whether assessing technology, weapons systems, or operational practices, experienced attorneys like Richard Waring are needed for many reasons, including:
In-depth Law of War audits are very important for assessing and strengthening an organization's compliance with international and Department of Defense (DoD) Law of War obligations. These audits can carefully evaluate an organization's policies, procedures, training programs, and operational practices to help them better align with Law of War standards. When you hire a defense contractor attorney Near Anderson, SC to perform an audit, you're taking proactive steps to promote your operations adhere to Law of War principles. Just as important, you're demonstrating a commitment to lawful conduct in conflict scenarios.
Comprehensive partner due diligence and screening services, help organizations evaluate potential collaborators, contractors, or third parties for Law of War compliance and applicable regulatory standards. Due diligence and screening services may include the following:
By performing thorough due diligence, organizations can reduce the risk of partnering with non-compliant or unreliable entities, ensuring smoother and more lawful operations in conflict-affected environments.
Custom training and education programs from defense contract lawyers help your organization better understand Law of War obligations. Since training is often a necessity for defense contractors, it should always be taken seriously. IHL sessions go over a variety of topics, from following the Geneva and Hague Conventions to navigating ethical conduct in conflict zones, all tailored to fit your specific needs. Whether it's for senior leaders or frontline staff, this type of education and training gives you the knowledge needed to tackle legal challenges and keep practices lawful in highrisk situations.
These Law of War compliance services include in-depth research, detailed report writing, and professional presentations on IHL topics tailored to your defense organization's needs. Whether analyzing complex legal issues, drafting compliance reports, or delivering briefings to leadership, these options provide you with wellsupported insights to inform decision-making. Be sure to ask your government contractor attorney about how they can turn legal and regulatory frameworks into actionable guidance so that your team can stay informed and prepared when it matters most.
Around the globe, conflict is evolving. If you're a defense contractor and you're not making adjustments to secure your operations, you could violate the Law of War. However, with compliance counsel from Conflict Orbit, you can focus on doing what you're best at while lead attorney Richard Waring protects your legal interests.
Throughout Richard's professional career, he has seen a lack of private legal services for companies who need guidance on maintaining federally and internationally mandated compliance with the Law of War. He also observed that many contractors are unaware of these requirements.
As a former Intelligence Officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and a current U.S. Army JAG Officer (National Guard), Richard has had real-life exposure to the Law of War. He is a creative and relentless attorney who also has a background in criminal justice (prosecution, defense, and investigations) and education in drone and space law.
DISCLAIMER: Conflict Orbit, LLC is a private law firm and Richard Waring is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DoD.
Richard investigated and prosecuted 1000s of criminal cases with relentlessness, including the most serious violent crimes. As a prolific trial attorney, he held countless criminals accountable for their actions while refining the skills of communication, attention to detail, and persistence in the face of challenging legal scenarios.
Having defended numerous clients accused of wrongdoing, Richard has the ability to view legal scenarios from all sides. He utilized creativity, persuasion, and a strong work ethic to obtain positive results.
Former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) intelligence officer in the Intelligence Community's Prisoner of War (POW)/Missing in Action (MIA) Analytic Cell. The Cell provides intelligence support to military personnel recovery efforts for POW/MIAs, hostages, and kidnapped individuals worldwide. The Cell also currently supports unresolved U.S. and allied kidnapping cases by politically motivated anti-U.S. groups around the world.
As a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army (National Guard) Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps), Richard received formal Law of War military legal training. He currently faithfully serves both his country and state of South Carolina as a Judge Advocate, and Richard feels privileged to be able to serve in this capacity.
DISCLAIMER: Conflict Orbit, LLC is a private law firm and Richard Waring is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DoD.
On a personal level, Richard is committed to reducing the amount of harm to the wounded and sick, POWs, and civilians in armed conflict. He has reorganized his law firm to be an innovative option for organizations needing guidance on Law of War compliance. Above all, Richard finds duty to country and service to others the highest callings, and it inspires him to know that his work potentially saves lives.
Is your defense organization ready to withstand what the future holds? If you're unsure, now is the time to act. Contact Conflict Orbit today and protect yourself from an uncertain tomorrow.
DISCLAIMER: This information, which includes non-client endorsements and testimonials from paying clients, should not be construed as a guarantee of any result in your matter. Past results do not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.
GREENVILLE, S.C. —School districts in South Carolina are announcing schedules for Friday after the winter storm hit this past weekend.For the latest weather report, click here. | For a full list of closing, delays, click here. Keep up with what's happening around our area by downloading the WYFF News 4 app on the App Store or Google Play.(If nothing is under your county that means they have not announced yet. We wi...
GREENVILLE, S.C. —
School districts in South Carolina are announcing schedules for Friday after the winter storm hit this past weekend.
For the latest weather report, click here. | For a full list of closing, delays, click here.
Keep up with what's happening around our area by downloading the WYFF News 4 app on the App Store or Google Play.
(If nothing is under your county that means they have not announced yet. We will update as learn more.)
Anderson School District One will operate on a normal schedule Friday, January 30. We encourage families to allow for extra time and use extra caution during their morning commute.
Anderson School District Two will operate on a regular schedule tomorrow, January 30.
Anderson District Three: We will operate on a normal schedule for Friday, January 30.
Anderson School District Five will resume a normal operating schedule tomorrow, Friday, January 30th!We appreciate your patience and understanding as we implemented eLearning and schedule adjustments this week in response to the inclement weather. Thank you for your continued support of our school district!
At this time, the university expects to operate on a normal schedule Friday. We will provide updates about weekend operations as the forecast develops.
Greenville County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay Friday, January 30, 2026 due to unsafe early travel conditions:
All Greenville County Schools activities, including athletic events and field trips, are canceled on Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, 2026. This decision was made based on the forecasts and timing for snow, which may result in unsafe road conditions, downed power lines, and loss of electrical services.
For Friday’s two-hour delay:
Greenwood County
Out of an abundance of caution due to remaining ice on some bus routes in the mountain areas of the county, SDOC will operate on a 2 HOUR DELAY on Friday, January 30th. Allowing additional daylight will improve visibility and help make travel safer for buses as well as families and student drivers.
Due to continued ice on shaded areas and secondary roads, the School District of Pickens County (SDPC) will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday, January 30, 2026.
A list of SDPC bus routes that buses will not travel on due to icy conditions is available here: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/article/2667235
After evaluating road conditions in our area, Spartanburg One will operate on a two-hour delay for Friday, January 30, 2026.
Buses will not run on specific icy roads that remain impassable. For students whose routes are affected, families will be notified directly by the Transportation Department today.
While many main roads are clear, several secondary roads in our attendance area remain icy and hazardous for travel. The two-hour delay provides extra daylight, improving visibility and allowing buses, staff, families, and student drivers to travel more safely to school.
We understand the decision to send a student to school ultimately rests with each family. Parents and guardians have the right to keep students home from school or drive them to school rather than ride the bus. In these cases, parents should let their student’s school know, and the absence will be excused.
Bus transportation and school morning drop off times will be two hours later than normal. For example, if your normal drop off time is 7:15 a.m., drop off will be at 9:15 a.m. tomorrow.
As always, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
D2 Families, After evaluating road conditions in our area, we will operate on a 2-hour delay for Friday, January 30, 2026. This delay will allow our bus drivers, staff, parents, and student drivers the benefit of additional daylight and improved visibility. For our bus riders, morning transportation routes will be picking up and dropping off two hours later than normal schedules. Athletics and after-school activities will also resume on Friday. We appreciate your understanding and continued support over the past few days.Thank you and have a good rest of your day.
Spartanburg School District Three will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday, January 30. Bus schedules and morning drop-off times will occur exactly two hours later than usual. Additionally, all Saturday and Sunday activities have been canceled.
Spartanburg County District Four: 2-hour delay
All Spartanburg County District Five schools will operate on a two hour delay on Friday, January 30. Our inclement weather team spent much of the day evaluating roads in our district, and most main roads are now clear. Some areas of specific secondary roads still have ice, so we have decided not to send buses down roads we have deemed impassable. If your student is impacted, you will be contacted directly by the Transportation Department. A two hour delay allows more time for everyone to get to school, and more visibility in the morning. Buses will run 2 hours later than normally scheduled Elementary starts at 9:30 a.m. | Middle/high school start at 10:15 a.m. There will be no 4K/PCD or morning classes @ RD Anderson Applied Tech. CenterPlease be patient and drive carefully tomorrow morning! We appreciate your patience and understanding, as safety remains our top priority!
After carefully evaluating road conditions in our community, District Six will operate on a two-hour delay Friday, January 30, 2026. This delay will allow for safer travel conditions as daylight improves.
While most main roads in our attendance area are now clear, some secondary roads are still impacted by lingering ice and cannot be safely traveled by buses.
We understand that each family’s circumstances are unique. If you prefer to keep your child home because of safety concerns, simply notify the school, and the absence will be excused. All school start times and bus pickups will occur exactly two hours later than usual. Dorman parents and students will receive an email regarding class schedules for tomorrow.
District Six is also closely monitoring the potential for another winter storm this weekend. Thank you so much for your patience as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
After evaluating road conditions in our area again today, D7 will operate on a two-hour delay for Friday, January 30. Bus schedules and morning drop-off times will occur exactly two hours later than usual. This delay will help school buses, staff, parents, and student drivers travel more safely to school and will provide additional daylight to improve visibility on roadways.Buses will not run on specific icy roads that continue to pose safety concerns. If your family’s route is impacted, you will be notified no later than 7 PM via a phone call, email, and text message from our D7 Transportation Team. If you are not contacted, your bus pickup location will be the same as usual. We will do our best to provide clear information on an alternate pickup location for roads buses will not travel. If your student has been assigned an alternate pickup location but cannot get to it, and you have no way to transport your child to school and plan to keep your child home tomorrow, you must notify your child’s school and the absence will be excused. We understand the decision to send a student to school ultimately rests with each family. As always, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority.Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!
Due to icy conditions, Union County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Friday.
All schools will begin at 10:00 AM
Car rider drop-off lines will open at 9:15
AM Buses will NOT run on icy roads
Families- please make the best decision for the safety of your student.
Should your student be unable to attend school tomorrow due to adverse road conditions or transportation issues, please provide a written note upon their return next week so we may properly excuse the absence.
The Upstate region, including Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson, is preparing for another winter storm this weekend, Jan 30-Feb 1, that is set to bring multiple inches of snow.Following last week's ice storm and cold temperatures leading up to the event, impacts on travel are expected to be significant from Friday night into Saturday, Jan. 30-31, as heavy snow falls. Power outages should remain isolated though.The National Weather Service upgraded the winter storm watch to a warning on Thursday, Jan. 29, which goes into effe...
The Upstate region, including Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson, is preparing for another winter storm this weekend, Jan 30-Feb 1, that is set to bring multiple inches of snow.
Following last week's ice storm and cold temperatures leading up to the event, impacts on travel are expected to be significant from Friday night into Saturday, Jan. 30-31, as heavy snow falls. Power outages should remain isolated though.
The National Weather Service upgraded the winter storm watch to a warning on Thursday, Jan. 29, which goes into effect at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, through 7 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 1. With snow accumulation projected for the Upstates to be 2-6 inches; however, the total outcome could potentially be 8-12 inches.
Take a look at the latest forecast for Greenville and the Upstate.
Chris Justus, WYFF 4 Chief Meteorologist, indicates that all major weather models, including the European (Euro) and GFS, are now in strong agreement for a significant winter storm this weekend.
According to Justus, this weekend's snowstorm differs from last week's ice storm mainly due to its producing dry, fluffy snow, thanks to much colder temperatures, rather than heavy, wet ice.
According to the National Weather Service, snow is expected to begin around 3 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, with a high chance of precipitation continuing throughout the day. Gusty winds are expected to accompany the snowfall, potentially leading to reduced visibility and drifting snow.
Dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills are predicted to impact the region Saturday through Monday morning, Jan. 31-Feb. 2.
People are advised to prepare for extended periods of cold weather and stay indoors if possible. Here's the latest outlook:
According to the National Weather Service, this cold front will pose potential threats to life and property if precautions are not taken.
By Sunday afternoon, conditions are expected improve slightly with calmer winds and clearer skies, though temperatures will remain frigid.
By Monday, Feb. 2, conditions are expected to clear up, with sunny skies and a high near 35. Monday night's forecast shows mostly clear, with a low around 20.
Temperatures are predicted to gradually warm through early next week with a return to dry conditions across the region. Precipitation chances may return by mid-week, though.
Frigid temperatures are expected to add to hazardous conditions, prompting the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to pretreat roads in advance. Blowing snow has also been added to the forecast as gusty winds combined with drier snow are expected to reduce visibility.
South Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Justin Powell has urged residents to avoid travel during the storm, according to past reports from the Greenville News.
People are advised to stay indoors and limit travel to emergencies only during the storm.
For real-time road conditions updates, check via the SCDOT 511 system, the latest updates at scdot.org and live coverage of the snowstorm at greenvilleonline.com.
According to the National Weather Service, widespread closures, delays, and disruptions are expected across Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson on Monday, Feb. 2, due to hazardous conditions from the expected weekend snow and ice storm.
Officials warn that hazardous road conditions, including ice and black ice, power outages, and downed trees/power lines, are likely to persist into Feb. 2.
The National Weather Service also anticipates that cold temperatures will cause snow accumulation and worsen conditions.
Travis Jacque Rose is the trending news reporter for the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trose@gannett.com
Upstate South Carolina is currently focused on recovering from a deadly winter storm that hit the area over the weekend of Jan. 24-26. And another one is on the way.The last storm brought ice, freezing rain, sleet and a little bit of snow, leading to widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions. Road clearing efforts are ongoing, and many schools remain disrupted.Further melting will occur again today, Thursday, Jan. 29, with highs in the upper 30s to lower 40s. Increasing clouds and lighter winds should keep wind c...
Upstate South Carolina is currently focused on recovering from a deadly winter storm that hit the area over the weekend of Jan. 24-26. And another one is on the way.
The last storm brought ice, freezing rain, sleet and a little bit of snow, leading to widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions. Road clearing efforts are ongoing, and many schools remain disrupted.
Further melting will occur again today, Thursday, Jan. 29, with highs in the upper 30s to lower 40s. Increasing clouds and lighter winds should keep wind chills out of the sub-zero range tonight.
Meteorologists are now tracking a significant winter weather event expected to impact the region from Jan. 30 through Saturday, Jan. 31, with snow expected to be the primary precipitation type. The National Weather Service reports that snowfall totals have been adjusted downward, but significant accumulation is still anticipated.
Take a look at the latest forecast from Jan. 29 and just how much snow the Upstate could see over the weekend.
The western half of the area is forecast to receive 2-4 inches of snow, while the eastern half could see 4-7 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
Chris Justus, WYFF 4 Chief Meteorologist, noted that this is a high-impact setup, unlike anything the region has experienced since January 2022.
Heavy snow is likely on Saturday, Jan. 31, with colder air contributing to fluffier snow and potentially higher accumulation totals, said Justus. The combination of wind and cold could make it feel near zero, adding to the challenges of the storm.
"The system track will ultimately decide which areas receive bigger snowfall totals," said Justus. "With the Winter Storm Watch in effect, locals are urged to exercise caution and plan accordingly."
Due to the cold temperatures leading up to the event, travel impacts could be significant.
Justus advises people to prepare for potentially challenging conditions and stay updated with the latest forecasts.
As residents brace for the potential of more snow this weekend, a winter storm watch has been issued for Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson counties.
According to the National Weather Service, this watch is effective from Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 1.
Dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills are expected to impact the region Saturday night through Monday morning, .
This air mass will pose a threat to life and property if precautions are not taken.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will gradually rise throughout the week, with highs reaching the low 30s and another potential cold front moving in by the weekend, which could bring a chance of light snow and even colder temperatures.
As the new work week progresses, temperatures are expected to rise slowly, providing relief from the frigid conditions experienced over the weekend.
Due to the upcoming potential winter storm this weekend, residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and remain vigilant.
Meteorologists suggest people prepare for potential disruptions, including power outages, difficult travel conditions, and road closures, as the storm passes through the region.
It is also recommended that individuals stock up on essential supplies, ensure that their vehicles are equipped for ice conditions, and check their heating systems.
Taking necessary precautions can help ensure safety and minimize the impact of severe weather.
Travis Jacque Rose is the trending news reporter for the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him attrose@gannett.com
COLUMBIA — More than 550 people have been sickened with measles in three Upstate counties, the state health department said Friday.The number of cases exploded in the beginning of the new year, with 148 reported in the past week. Since Jan. 7, the case count has more than doubled, according to the health department.South Carolina has among the largest outbreaks in the nation, second only to Texas, which reported more than 800 cases in 2025.Eight people have been hospitalized for complications of measles, state epid...
COLUMBIA — More than 550 people have been sickened with measles in three Upstate counties, the state health department said Friday.
The number of cases exploded in the beginning of the new year, with 148 reported in the past week. Since Jan. 7, the case count has more than doubled, according to the health department.
South Carolina has among the largest outbreaks in the nation, second only to Texas, which reported more than 800 cases in 2025.
Eight people have been hospitalized for complications of measles, state epidemiologist Linda Bell told reporters. The state health department does not track cases after they are reported, so she did not give any more information about how they are doing or what type of care they received.
Travel and gatherings over the holiday season are the likely culprits for the spike in cases, she said.
When schools let out for winter break, health department officials struggled to track down unvaccinated students to let them know they’d been exposed to the virus. They continued going out and seeing family, often without knowing they were infected, increasing the disease’s spread, Bell said.
18+: 39
More than 180 students at 10 schools were in quarantine as of Friday, according to the Department of Public Health. For the first time since the outbreak began in October, that includes schools outside of Spartanburg County, the epicenter of the outbreak.
At Crestview Elementary School in Greenville County, 22 students are in quarantine. And Starr Elementary School in rural Anderson County reported a measles case this week, causing 10 students to quarantine.
Vaccination is the only sure way to prevent cases from continuing to spread, Bell said.
Most people receive two doses of the vaccine, which also covers mumps and rubella, during childhood. Anyone who is unvaccinated but wants protection from measles can get the shots at a doctor’s office or health clinic.
At least 87% of those diagnosed with measles during the outbreak are unvaccinated, according to the health department. The agency has not been able to determine a vaccination status for another 56.
“This is a disappointment, to see these now hundreds of cases that a majority of them could have been prevented, and we have an opportunity to prevent further cases if people can adopt available tools and help us stop this outbreak sooner rather than later,” Bell told reporters this week.
Measles can cause dangerous complications, especially for children, who make up the majority of those sickened during the outbreak. Symptoms typically start with a fever, followed by a rash that often begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. In severe cases, measles can cause pneumonia or brain swelling, which can sometimes be fatal.
GREENVILLE — The Spartanburg-centered measles outbreak has now hit school districts in Anderson and Greenville counties for the first time as the number of cases across the Upstate surged to nearly 560 this week, the Department of Public Health reported Jan. 16.The 558-case measles outbreak is by far the largest in the U.S.There were 124 new infections since Jan. 13 and nearly 350 in the past week, more than doubling the previous count, a Post and Courier analysis showed.The outbreak has pushed 531 unvaccinated peo...
GREENVILLE — The Spartanburg-centered measles outbreak has now hit school districts in Anderson and Greenville counties for the first time as the number of cases across the Upstate surged to nearly 560 this week, the Department of Public Health reported Jan. 16.
The 558-case measles outbreak is by far the largest in the U.S.
There were 124 new infections since Jan. 13 and nearly 350 in the past week, more than doubling the previous count, a Post and Courier analysis showed.
The outbreak has pushed 531 unvaccinated people into quarantine, and another 85 are in isolation. The quarantine period for possible infections now stretches past Valentine’s Day to Feb. 16.
More than 180 in quarantine are unvaccinated students at schools in Spartanburg and Greenville counties including Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary, Campobello Gramling School, Crestview Elementary, Libertas Academy, Fairforest Elementary, Berry Shoals Elementary, Oakland Elementary, Mabry Middle School and Landrum High School.
Anderson School District 3, based in Starr, has reported a case as well, though it was not included in the latest state update.
For several of the Spartanburg-area schools, it is at least the second time they have had unvaccinated students in quarantine. Fairforest Elementary was the site of some of the first measles cases in the outbreak.
Of the 124 new infections, only three appear to be in adults, although the age is unknown in 13 of all outbreak cases, Post and Courier analysis shows.
Of the 502 cases with a known vaccination status, 483 were unvaccinated and 13 were fully vaccinated, public health officials reported.
There have been eight hospitalizations, public health officials announced this week, up from four in previous updates.
While public health did not break down who has been hospitalized, saying it was children and adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows only two hospitalizations so far this year. Both were in children under the age of 19.
In addition to potential exposure to measles at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia on Jan. 2, public health also warned of potential exposures at the following places in Spartanburg:
• Walmart, 203 Cedar Springs Road, from 5-8 p.m. Jan. 3.
• Wash Depot, 2177 S. Pine St., from 9 p.m. Jan. 3 to 1 a.m. Jan. 4.
• Bintime Spartanburg, 445 S. Blackstock Road, from 4-7:15 p.m. Jan. 7.
People who were unprotected and in those businesses at those times should monitor for signs of infection for 21 days after and report to a health care provider if symptoms develop.
The vast majority of measles cases have been centered in Spartanburg County, but this week’s announcements from Greenville County Schools and Anderson School District 3 mark the first time measles has been confirmed among students there.
"This is the first confirmed measles case among Greenville County Schools students since the current outbreak began in South Carolina," the Greenville County Schools statement said.
The outbreak began Oct. 2.
A spokesperson for the Anderson district, which is in the rural Starr-Iva area, said they learned of the case there on Jan. 15 only after contacting the sick child’s family to see why he had been absent from Starr Elementary since Jan. 7.
"We didn't get any notification from the Department of (Public) Health. We didn't get anything from the parent until we contacted them,” said Dylan McCullough, chief communications officer for Anderson School District 3.
A spokesperson for Greenville County Schools said his district received notification from the Department of Public Health on Jan. 14 about a confirmed measles case dating back to Jan. 6 at Crestview Elementary. There are now 22 other students in quarantine there.
As in the Spartanburg outbreak, a bus route was affected. The Crestview student rode on a bus that also carried children from Greer Middle and Greer High schools. Parents were informed.
Crestview is located in Greer, near the Greenville-Spartanburg county line.
Everyone working at or attending the school must produce records of their vaccination history, said McCullough of Anderson 3. Some teachers and staff members were vaccinated decades ago, so obtaining records in some cases was impossible, he said.
Those who potentially had been exposed to the sick child are getting Titer Tests to confirm immunity from the highly infectious disease, but results typically take two to three days, he said. Public health officials have said those tests aren’t routinely recommended and anyone vaccinated even decades ago should be considered immune.
The individuals at Starr Elementary will be able to return to school next week at the earliest, once their immunity is confirmed.
"We have some (staff) their pediatricians are dead and gone, and we have some that they just don't have their records for whatever reason," McCullough said.
Some have been able to secure records from a former school, McCullough added.
Crestview Elementary's immunization rate is 90.4 percent, according to state data. At least 21 public schools in Greenville County — including charters and those within the school district — have lower immunization rates than Crestview Elementary.
Nearly 96 percent of students attending Starr Elementary are vaccinated, state records show.
Health experts say a community should maintain 95 percent immunity to staunch the spread of measles, a highly contagious disease.
Carl Sagan
Let's be the exception.