This winter, North Carolina is facing a concerning rise in measles cases, with 15 individuals affected and one currently hospitalized.
According to the latest data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), this hospitalization marks the first reported case in the state related to this outbreak. However, specific details regarding the location of the hospital have not been disclosed.
As of the week ending December 20, the NCDHHS dashboard indicates that there have been 15 confirmed measles cases across the state. Notably, one case emerged in Nash County on January 27, while the remaining 14 were reported in other counties, including Union, Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Polk, and Cabarrus. Among these, Buncombe County has experienced the highest number of cases, accounting for six of the total.
A striking detail revealed by state statistics is that nearly all, except for one, of the individuals diagnosed with measles this winter are under the age of 17, and a significant 74% of those infected had not received their vaccinations.
Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can be prevented through vaccination. The virus spreads through direct contact and remains airborne, capable of surviving for up to two hours in the environment after an infected person has left. Symptoms typically surface 7 to 14 days following exposure, although they may not appear until 21 days later. Early signs include:
- A high fever that can exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit,
- A persistent cough,
- A runny nose,
- Red, watery eyes, or conjunctivitis,
- Koplik spots—tiny white blemishes that often appear on the inner cheeks, gums, and mouth roof about 2-3 days after initial symptoms emerge,
- A distinctive red, raised, and blotchy rash that generally begins on the face and then spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs within three to five days after the onset of symptoms.
Complications from measles can be severe, leading to issues such as diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain, and even immune system suppression.
For anyone experiencing symptoms, it is crucial to contact healthcare providers before visiting offices or emergency departments to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus further.
The North Carolina health authorities are urging all unvaccinated individuals aged one year and older to get vaccinated against measles to safeguard themselves and the broader community. Although the MMR vaccine isn't typically recommended for children under 12 months, those at increased risk can safely receive it starting as early as six months of age.
In related news, the Nash County Health Department has issued a public advisory after an unvaccinated child returned from international travel and tested positive for measles, having visited the UNC Health Nash Emergency Department shortly thereafter.
Moreover, a significant outbreak of measles is also unfolding in South Carolina, where the number of cases has already surpassed those recorded during Texas's outbreak in 2025, with nearly 600 new infections reported in just over a month. The national case count in the U.S. is alarming, approaching 20% of the total cases reported for the entire previous year in just the first month of 2026.
Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted that the U.S. reported an unprecedented surge in measles cases throughout 2025, and the trend appears to be continuing into this new year. In the first two weeks alone of 2026, there have been at least 171 reported cases, nearly matching the average annual totals of the past 25 years since measles was declared eliminated in the country.
This raises critical questions: How can communities better promote vaccination to prevent outbreaks? What measures should parents take to ensure their children are immunized? We invite you to share your thoughts and engage in this vital conversation.
